2024-10-28 18:26:00
In Iran, German-Iranian dual citizen Jamshid Sharmahd was executed on terror charges despite international criticism of the death sentence. As the official justice portal Misan announced, the execution took place in the morning. Germany had called for the verdict to be overturned. Until recently, Iran’s judiciary refused consular access – a common practice for prisoners with Iranian citizenship.
Sharmahd was born in the Iranian capital Tehran, grew up in Germany and most recently lived in the USA. From there, his daughter Gazelle also tried in vain to save her father. Neither pleading appeals nor political pressure had any effect. For example, CDU leader Friedrich Merz took on a political sponsorship.
Renata Alt (FDP), chairwoman of the German Bundestag Committee for Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid, spoke of “terrible news”. The brutal execution was “further evidence that constructive negotiations are not possible with this terrorist regime.”
The Austrian Foreign Ministry condemned the execution by the Iranian regime “in the strongest terms” on Monday evening on X. This ultimate punishment is “disproportionate, inhumane and degrading and must be abolished once and for all.” “We call on Iran to stop all executions!” the post continued.
A revolutionary court convicted Sharmahd on terror charges in spring 2023. The background is probably his involvement in the Iranian exile opposition group “Tondar” (Thunder). The Iranian government accuses the monarchist organization of being responsible for an attack in 2008 in the city of Shiraz that left several people dead. The allegations cannot be independently verified. Sharmahd’s family and human rights activists vehemently denied the allegations.
Sharmahd sat in court in blue striped prison clothing, as is common in Iran. State media repeatedly published photos of the 69-year-old – sometimes with glasses, sometimes with a face mask and his eyes wide open. The depressing images are the last publicly known images before his execution. Death sentences in Iran are usually carried out by hanging.
Critics described the trial as grossly unfair – Sharmahd was not allowed to choose his own lawyer and his whereabouts remained unknown until the end. Confessions broadcast on state television may have been obtained under torture. The German-Iranian was abducted under mysterious circumstances during a trip from Dubai to Iran in the summer of 2020; several reports speak of a kidnapping by Iranian intelligence. Since then he has been in solitary confinement.
The German federal government had sharply criticized the death sentence against him and called for Sharmahd’s release. His daughter Gazelle regularly accused the Foreign Office of inaction. The execution of the death sentence is likely to lead to new tensions in diplomatic relations between Tehran and Berlin. After the wave of protests in Iran in autumn 2022 and the violent state crackdown against the demonstrators, relations between Iran and Europe have deteriorated. Iran’s government is also criticized for its Middle East policy and military support for Russia.
Executions of European citizens are extremely rare in Iran. But last year, the Iranian judiciary sparked an outcry by executing death sentences against a Swede and a Briton, both of whom also had Iranian citizenship. Experts have repeatedly criticized the fact that Iran’s security apparatus imprisons foreigners in order to free important officials abroad. Sharmahd’s family also hoped for such a deal until the end. The case of the German-Iranian is politically extremely explosive. This was also evident in Iranian reactions to criticism from Berlin. At the beginning of 2023, then Foreign Office spokesman Nasser Kanaani said that Germany was reacting too emotionally. “The Islamic Republic of Iran will not ask anyone’s permission to act against terrorism.”
The Sharmahd trial was presided over by Abolghassem Salawati, also known as the “Judge of Death,” who was sanctioned by the United States and the European Union.
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**Interview with Human Rights Advocate Laila Ahmed on the Execution of Jamshid Sharmahd**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Laila. We’re here to discuss the recent execution of Jamshid Sharmahd in Iran. Can you share your thoughts on this tragic event?
**Laila Ahmed:** Thank you for having me. The execution of Jamshid Sharmahd is a deeply distressing development, not only for his family but also for anyone concerned with human rights. This act stands as a stark reminder of the Iranian regime’s continued disregard for basic human rights and due process.
**Interviewer:** The German government had opposed this execution, calling for the verdict to be overturned. What does this say about international efforts to intervene in such cases?
**Laila Ahmed:** It underscores the limitations of diplomatic engagement with Iran. Despite international pressure and calls for intervention, the regime remains unmoved. Germany’s attempts, including political sponsorship by figures like Friedrich Merz, highlight a significant commitment to Sharmahd’s case, yet ultimately, these efforts were insufficient against Iran’s hardened stance. This indicates a troubling pattern where authoritarian regimes prioritize their political agendas over international norms and human rights.
**Interviewer:** Critics have described Sharmahd’s trial as unfair, alleging that he was denied access to his chosen legal representation and that confessions may have been coerced. How does this fit into the broader context of the Iranian judicial system?
**Laila Ahmed:** Sharmahd’s case is emblematic of a judicial process in Iran that often lacks transparency and fairness. The Iranian judiciary has a history of political trials aimed at silencing dissent. The denial of access to legal counsel and the potential use of torture to obtain confessions are glaring human rights violations. Such practices erode the credibility of their legal system and further alienate the international community.
**Interviewer:** Austria condemned the execution as disproportionate and inhumane, calling for an end to such practices in Iran. Do you believe that international condemnation can lead to real change in Iran?
**Laila Ahmed:** While international condemnation is vital, its effectiveness often relies on combined efforts, including economic pressure and diplomatic isolation. However, the Iranian regime has historically been resistant to external influence. Change may come from within, through the voices of Iranian citizens and activists, but it’s crucial for the international community to stand firm in its condemnation of such human rights violations.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what can individuals and organizations do to support human rights in Iran following this incident?
**Laila Ahmed:** Individuals can advocate for change by raising awareness of such cases, participating in campaigns led by human rights organizations, and urging their governments to take a stronger stance against the Iranian regime’s actions. Supporting Iranian civil society and groups that focus on human rights can also help amplify the voices of those fighting against oppression within Iran. Every action counts in the global fight for justice and human rights.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Laila, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. It’s important that we continue to bring attention to human rights abuses around the world.
**Laila Ahmed:** Thank you for covering this important topic. It is vital that we keep these conversations alive.
**Laila Ahmed:** While international condemnation is crucial in raising awareness and pressuring regimes, the effectiveness of such actions often depends on the political will of the international community and the response from the Iranian government. Regrettably, Iran has shown little interest in altering its practices in light of external criticism. Therefore, while statements from countries like Austria are important for moral and ethical reasons, we must also explore more robust diplomatic strategies and coalition-building among nations to establish tangible consequences for such human rights violations. Real change requires a collective commitment to holding the Iranian regime accountable.
**Interviewer:** Given the historical context of executions in Iran, particularly those involving dual citizens like Sharmahd, how can foreign governments adjust their approach to effectively advocate for their citizens?
**Laila Ahmed:** Foreign governments must prioritize securing diplomatic channels that allow for timely interventions in such cases. This means not only advocating for fair trials and the abolition of death sentences but also considering more proactive measures—such as leveraging economic sanctions or trade agreements that can influence Iran’s behavior. Additionally, building alliances with human rights organizations and mobilizing public opinion in support of affected individuals is crucial. We must remember that every voice counts, and sustained attention can create pressure for change.
**Interviewer:** What impact do you believe Sharmahd’s execution will have on diplomatic relations between Germany and Iran?
**Laila Ahmed:** Sharmahd’s execution is likely to exacerbate existing tensions between Germany and Iran. It serves as a stark reminder to the German government of the risks their citizens face when engaging with the Iranian regime. This incident might lead to a reevaluation of diplomatic ties, or at the very least, a stronger commitment from Germany towards addressing human rights abuses in Iran. Ultimately, this tragedy may galvanize not only governmental responses but also encourage civil society’s activism, pushing the issue of human rights in Iran higher on the political agenda both domestically and internationally.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Laila, for your insightful perspectives on this troubling event and for shedding light on the broader implications for human rights advocacy in Iran.
**Laila Ahmed:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital to continue the conversation and advocate for those whose voices are silenced.
