Jamshid Sharmahd, a 69-year-old Iranian-German national, has been executed in Iran after being convicted on controversial terrorism charges, prompting international outrage. Sharmahd was reportedly kidnapped in Dubai in 2020 by Iranian security forces.
During a Senate inquiry, Sharmahd had been accused of planning a 2008 attack on a mosque that resulted in the deaths of 14 people and had faced allegations of disclosing sensitive information about Iran’s military capabilities. His execution comes amid a broader crackdown on dissidents and a mounting diplomatic crisis.
Sharmahd’s execution occurred just two days after Israeli aerial attacks targeted interests in Iran, intensifying the already heightened tensions in the region. Iranian authorities described Sharmahd as being “under orders from Western intelligence agencies” when plotting attacks.
His family and advocates condemned the execution, asserting that Sharmahd was subjected to a grossly unfair trial and was denied access to independent legal representation. The United Nations had previously flagged his detention as “arbitrary,” calling for his release.
U.S. and German officials criticized the Iranian regime for its actions. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, condemned the execution, stating that it would have severe repercussions and emphasizing that the Iranian regime had taken his life after holding him without a fair trial.
Despite Iran’s claims against Sharmahd, his family and supporters maintain that he was targeted for his activism and his connection to an opposition group. Activists allege that the Iranian government has a history of silencing dissenting voices through intimidation and violence.
Sharmahd joins the ranks of other dissidents executed by Iran after being lured or captured abroad, raising serious concerns regarding human rights violations and the treatment of political prisoners in the country.
Credit: ABC News
