Information
Jamshid Sharmahd, a German-Iranian software developer and California resident, died before his planned execution in Iran could be carried out, according to judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir. This statement contradicted earlier reports from the Iranian government that said Sharmahd had already been executed. Sharmahd’s death, following his 2020 kidnapping in Dubai and conviction for alleged involvement in a 2008 mosque bombing in Shiraz, added to growing tensions between Germany and Iran. The charge against him, “corruption on earth,” is a broad and often politically motivated accusation in Iran. His daughter, Gazelle, called for details about his death and for his remains to be returned to the family.
The case has led to significant diplomatic repercussions, straining already poor relations between the two countries. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned Iran’s actions as indicative of an “inhumane regime” and ordered the closure of all three Iranian consulates in Germany. Iran, in turn, criticized the closure, framing it as a formal sanction. Sharmahd’s involvement with the Tondar group, which opposes the Iranian regime, was reportedly uncovered through a cyberattack. Iran highlighted his capture as a result of a “complex operation” but provided little detail on its execution. The situation underscores persistent concerns over human rights and dual-citizen treatment in Iran.
Source: AP, Reuters
So what
Though it will highly likely never be confirmed, it is likely that Iran did execute Sharmahd, possibly earlier than planned, due to a miscommunication or another situation and is now trying to backtrack it. Alternatively, it is possible he may have died due to the conditions he was kept in, and now Iran is trying to backtrack. Regardless, outside of strong words, it is unlikely much will come of this as tensions are already very high.
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