They call to post video messages for Iranian authorities on Thursday 10 December at 10 AM - International Human Rights Day
On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, the students of the Study Circle Free Research (STKVO) of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel are calling on fellow students, lecturers and well-wishers to share a video message addressed to the Iranian government on social media. With this action they want to push again for the release of Dr Ahmadreza Djalali, the VUB visiting professor imprisoned and sentenced to death in Iran. STKVO chair Bram Moriën: “Despite enormous efforts from the world community, the situation of Professor Ahmadreza Djalali remains extremely critical. The recent stay of execution proved that our actions are effective. Therefore, we must continue to take initiatives to keep the fate of Professor Djalali in the spotlight as much as possible.”
Participants are asked to record a short video in which they ask the Iranian government to release the doctor, in their own words, and to put that message on their social media channel on Thursday 10 December at around 10.00, with the hashtags #PeopleForAhmadreza and #SaveAhmadreza.
The students themselves have already made videos for inspiration and created a series of tips for those who want to make a video to support the action. “Any manner of public interest in the fate of Prof Dr Djalali is a step closer to his homecoming. Apart from the diplomatic efforts that are taking place, this is currently one of the only things we can do. If as many people as possible post a film on social media, this is a message to the Iranian authorities that cannot be ignored,” Moriën adds.
“It is absolutely marvellous that our students, too, continue to engage in various ways to get Ahmadreza released. Every action counts and the battle is far from over. I am certainly proud of the entire VUB community and hope that the general public will also support the initiative en masse,” says VUB rector Caroline Pauwels.