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.
Convicted of terrorism charges
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.
Germany demanded release
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.
This article was last published on October 28th. updated at 7:16 p.m.
ePaper
**Interview with Human Rights Expert Jessica Klein on the Execution of Jamshid Sharmahd**
**Editor:** Today, we have Jessica Klein, a prominent human rights expert, joining us to discuss the recent execution of Jamshid Sharmahd in Iran and its implications. Jessica, thank you for being here.
**Jessica Klein:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** The execution of Jamshid Sharmahd has already drawn severe condemnation from Germany and Austria. What are your thoughts on the reactions from these countries?
**Jessica Klein:** The outrage from both Germany and Austria is fully justified. This execution is not just a tragic end for Sharmahd, but also a stark reminder of the Iranian regime’s brutality. Condemnations like those from the Austrian Foreign Ministry, calling the execution “disproportionate, inhumane, and degrading,” highlight the urgent need for international pressure on Iran to abolish the death penalty altogether.
**Editor:** Reports indicate that Sharmahd’s trial was marred by allegations of unfairness and possible torture. How does this fit into the broader context of the Iranian judicial system?
**Jessica Klein:** Unfortunately, the treatment of Sharmahd is emblematic of a broader pattern within Iran’s judicial system, which lacks transparency and fairness. Investigations into political dissent often rely on coerced confessions, and the absence of a fair trial, as Sharmahd experienced, is indicative of systematic injustice against dissenters. This raises serious questions about the credibility of the Iranian judiciary.
**Editor:** You mentioned the international response. What might be the long-term implications for diplomatic relations between Iran and Europe as a result of Sharmahd’s execution?
**Jessica Klein:** Given the already strained relations following last year’s protests in Iran and the state’s violent crackdown, this execution is likely to exacerbate tensions. European governments may reconsider their engagement strategies with Tehran, especially as public outcry grows. The possibilities for negotiation or constructive dialogue, particularly on human rights issues, are becoming increasingly limited.
**Editor:** In light of Sharmahd’s case, what changes do you think should be made to address human rights in Iran?
**Jessica Klein:** Firstly, international bodies need to hold what happened to Sharmahd up as a case study of the Iranian regime’s systemic failings. Additionally, there should be a concerted effort to monitor and report on human rights violations. Ultimately, sustained diplomatic pressure and sanctions targeted at human rights violators could spur change. Iran must understand that its actions carry consequences on the international stage.
**Editor:** Thank you, Jessica, for your insights on this important issue. It’s vital that we continue to advocate for human rights globally, especially in situations like that of Jamshid Sharmahd.
**Jessica Klein:** Thank you for shedding light on this crucial topic. Let’s hope for a future where such tragedies no longer occur.
