Iran Executes German-Iranian Dual Citizen Djamshid Sharmahd Amidst International Outcry
Djamshid Sharmahd, a German-Iranian dual citizen, has been executed in Iran, despite widespread international condemnation of his death sentence linked to terrorism charges. His execution took place on Monday morning, as confirmed by Iran's official judiciary portal, Misan. The German government had previously urged Tehran to annul Sharmahd's sentence, underscoring the escalating tensions between Iran and Germany.
The Supreme Court of Iran upheld the verdict against Sharmahd in April 2023, and his case became a focal point for human rights advocates, including his daughter Gazelle, who resides in the United States. She, along with numerous human rights defenders, campaigned tirelessly for his release until the very end. Germany's strong condemnation of the sentence and appeals for Sharmahd's salvation highlight the deteriorating diplomatic relations that may arise after this execution.
Typically, executions in Iran are carried out by hanging, and this case is particularly contentious due to the rarity of such penalties being imposed on Western nationals. The court had convicted the 69-year-old Sharmahd of what Iranian law classifies as 'Corruption on Earth,' citing his alleged involvement in a terrorist attack in February 2023 and insinuating collaborations with foreign intelligence agencies. However, these allegations remain unverified and are dismissed by Sharmahd's family and human rights organizations.
Sharmahd's contentious journey began when he was kidnapped from Dubai by Iranian intelligence operatives in the summer of 2020 and transported to Iran, where he was imprisoned ever since. Prior to his kidnapping, he lived in the United States and was an active member of the exiled opposition group Tondar (Thunder), which advocates for a return to monarchy in Iran. The Iranian government has accused Tondar of involvement in a devastating mosque attack in Shiraz in 2008, which resulted in numerous deaths, and three individuals have already been executed in connection with that incident.
The execution of Sharmahd comes against a backdrop of increased tensions between Iran and European nations, particularly in the wake of protests in autumn 2022, which were met with violent state repression. The Iranian government has faced heightened scrutiny for its regional policies and military collaborations, particularly regarding its support for Russia.
In light of Sharmahd's execution, many fear that diplomatic ties between Iran and Germany will continue to sour, reflecting broader geopolitical rifts in the region. This case not only highlights the severe human rights issues within Iran but also illustrates the potential consequences of politically motivated legal actions in the increasingly fraught atmosphere of international relations.
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