A Danwatch Investigation
Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has chosen to do business in Iran in spite of sanctions and human rights concerns.
Novo has conquered a significant share of the insulin market and opened a factory producing insulin pens.
In the process of entering the Iranian market Novo has allied itself with persons and organisations accused of involvement in serious human rights violations.
Novo has bought land from an organisation founded on the seizure of land from political prisoners, religious minorities and exiled Iranians.
Novo has donated money to a research institute run by the powerful Larijani family, accused of gross human rights violations.
Novo says that all company activities in Iran are in compliance with company guidelines as well as local and international law and regulations.
Experts highlight the dilemma, questioning whether it is possible to do business in Iran without collaborating with controversial persons and organisations.
