Comment on information about an imprisoned researcher in Iran

Commentary: Karolinska Institutet, KI, has received information that a researcher who has been active at KI is imprisoned in Iran on unclear grounds and without due trial. We have not been able to have this information confirmed, but any unjust detention of any person without due trial and under the threat of being punished is completely unacceptable.

As a university, KI strongly defends the liberty of thought and the possibility and right of researchers to interact and build network across borders. This is a fundamental principle of a free world and a prerequisite for science.

KI´s acting Vice-Chancellor Karin Dahlman-Wright has received an invitation to take part in the official delegation to Iran led by Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, and was planning to participate as part of existing collaborations between scientists and universities in Sweden and Iran. Given the current available information, it has not been decided whether she will participate.