Iran executed Jamshid Sharmahd, a German-American journalist and California resident accused of orchestrating a 2008 bombing in Shiraz on Monday. Sharmahd, 69, was reportedly abducted by Iranian forces in Dubai in 2020 before being transported to Iran, where he faced trial. Sharmahd’s family and international rights groups disputed the terrorism charges against him, insisting that he was wrongfully convicted following a trial criticized as unfair.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the execution. “Jamshid Sharmahd’s execution shows once again what an inhumane regime is in power in Tehran – a regime that punishes its young people, its own population and foreign nationals with death. This underlines that evidently no one is safe in Iran, also under the new Government,” she said in a statement.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz also called the execution a “scandal” and extended condolences to Sharmahd’s family. Germany has recalled the German ambassador to Tehran to protest the execution of Sharmahd.
The U.S. State Department expressed condolences to Sharmahd’s family and criticized Iran’s actions as part of a pattern of repressive measures targeting dual nationals. Sharmahd’s daughter, Gazelle, criticized both the U.S. and German governments, arguing that they did not do enough to secure his release. Amnesty International and other rights organizations also condemned the execution, calling it part of a troubling trend in Iran’s treatment of dissidents.
The European Union added its condemnation, saying it would consult with member nations on possible responses. In a statement, Iranian officials defended the execution, asserting that Sharmahd’s conviction was justified. The case has escalated tensions with Iran, with international leaders voicing concerns over the safety of detained dual nationals and the fairness of Iran’s judicial processes.
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