Germany and the European Union reacted with dismay following the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd, a German-Iranian citizen, by Iran on terrorism charges. German diplomats condemned the execution as “murder,” summoning Iran’s chargé d’affaires in Berlin, while recalling the German ambassador from Tehran for consultations. Further actions may be under consideration.
The European Union, through its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, expressed firm condemnation. Brussels is also exploring additional measures pending discussions with EU member states.
German officials repeatedly warned Iran that executing a German citizen would lead to “serious consequences.” Despite maintaining his innocence, Sharmahd faced a trial where he was reportedly denied basic legal rights, such as choosing his own lawyer and facing prolonged isolation. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the process as a “scandal,” criticizing the lack of a fair defense.
Sharmahd, accused by Iran of links to opposition group Tondar and involvement in a 2008 bombing that killed 14 people in Shiraz, was allegedly kidnapped by Iranian intelligence agents in Dubai in 2020. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock labeled the Iranian regime “inhuman” and accused it of weaponizing executions against both its youth and foreign nationals.
Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s conservative CDU, condemned the execution as a “hate crime” and urged downgrading diplomatic relations with Iran, including expelling Iran’s ambassador. Amnesty International called for arrest warrants for Iranian officials involved, citing Iran’s high execution rate, which surged to 853 in 2023, nearly tripling since 2021.
This article is originally published on dw.com
