Iran executed German-Iranian dissident Jamshid Sharmahd following his conviction for “leading terror operations,” state media reported. Sharmahd, accused of orchestrating a series of attacks as the alleged leader of a US-based pro-monarchist group, was sentenced to death last year on charges of “corruption on Earth.”
Sharmahd’s Arrest and Trial Raise Questions
While Iranian authorities claimed he led the group Tondar, Sharmahd denied the allegations, with his family asserting that he only acted as a spokesperson. Human rights advocates have called the execution a violation of international law, questioning the fairness and legality of his detention, trial, and sentencing.
The circumstances of Sharmahd’s arrest have drawn significant scrutiny. In 2020, he was reportedly kidnapped by Iranian agents in Dubai and subsequently transferred to Iran, where he was detained. Iran’s intelligence ministry described his capture as a “complex operation,” though it provided few specifics. Following his arrest, Iranian state media released footage of Sharmahd blindfolded, apparently confessing to charges. Amnesty International, however, alleges that Sharmahd was coerced into confessing and may have faced torture while in detention.
International Reactions and Germany’s Response
Sharmahd’s execution has led to sharp criticism from Germany, where officials warned Tehran of “serious consequences.” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the execution, calling it a demonstration of Iran’s disregard for human rights. “The killing of Jamshid Sharmahd shows what kind of inhumane regime rules (in Iran),” Baerbock tweeted. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also voiced outrage, describing the execution as a “scandal” and asserting that Sharmahd was denied a fair trial.
Sharmahd’s daughter, Gazelle, has been vocal about her father’s treatment, alleging mistreatment by Iranian authorities. In a 2023 interview, she accused Iran of “killing him softly in solitary confinement” and expressed fears of a public execution intended to send a message of terror to those who oppose the regime. She has since called on Germany to hold Iranian officials accountable for her father’s alleged mistreatment and to demand greater transparency in such cases.
Human Rights Advocates Condemn Execution
Human rights organizations have widely condemned Sharmahd’s execution, highlighting what they describe as a violation of international norms and due process. Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Iran Human Rights, called the execution an “egregious breach” of international standards, noting that the process — from arrest to sentencing — seemed riddled with legal violations. Amnesty International claimed Sharmahd’s confessions were obtained under duress and that his family had reported signs of torture.
Sharmahd had been linked to the group Tondar, or “Thunder” in Persian, a US-based organization promoting the restoration of Iran’s monarchy, overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Although Iranian authorities accused him of orchestrating 23 attacks, including a 2008 bombing in Shiraz that killed 14 people, human rights advocates question the legitimacy of the evidence presented in his trial.
Sharmahd’s execution underscores the intense scrutiny of Iran’s judicial practices and treatment of political dissidents. The case has heightened international concerns over human rights in Iran, particularly regarding the treatment of dual nationals and dissidents. As Western nations continue to condemn the execution, calls for accountability may increase, with officials demanding answers for what they describe as Iran’s systematic disregard for human rights.
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