Amidst growing global indignation, Iran’s execution of dual-national Jamshid Sharmahd has sparked criticism towards the U.S. and Germany for their perceived inaction.
At a Glance
- Jamshid Sharmahd, a dual national, was executed by Iran after being accused of terrorism.
- Sharmahd’s daughter accuses the Biden administration of inaction, despite transferring $6 billion to Iran.
- The $6 billion transfer occurred before an attack on Israel by Iran’s proxy, Hamas.
- Germany recalled its ambassador and condemned Iran’s actions.
The Execution of Jamshid Sharmahd
Reports confirm that Jamshid Sharmahd, known for his human rights advocacy and dissident stance, was executed by Iran. Authorities in Iran accused him of planning a 2008 mosque attack, attacks on missile sites, among other charges. Despite pleas and global protests, including those from human rights groups, he faced execution following a contested trial, according to Amnesty International. Their claim states, “Mr Sharmahd should never have been imprisoned…his sham trial and reports of torture were reprehensible.”
Sharmahd’s family and advocates argue that his trial lacked fairness. They highlight a denial of an independent lawyer and his detention being labeled by U.N. experts as arbitrary. His daughter, Gazelle Sharmahd, openly criticized the U.S. and Germany for failing to prevent his abduction and execution, despite his California residence and U.S. green card holder status.
.@TzviKahn: “The Biden administration’s rhetoric condemning Iran for its execution of Jamshid Sharmahd is appropriate. However, such statements are meaningless in the absence of action. Iran’s killing of a U.S. resident indicates that Tehran has no fear of America, which has… https://t.co/xIyNwbNPtb
— FDD (@FDD) October 29, 2024
Criticism of International Response
The case garnered accusatory stances against the U.S. government, particularly in light of President Biden’s involvement in releasing $6 billion to Iran. Gazelle asserts this financial exchange fostered terrorism, referencing the funding’s proximity to an Iran-linked attack by Hamas on Israel. “YOU left him to die while the Biden-Harris Administration handed $6 billion to his captors,” she emphasized.
Germany, initially absorbing broad criticism, finally responded by summoning Iran’s diplomatic representatives and recalling its ambassador to Germany, signaling a strong diplomatic protest against Iran’s decision. German leaders, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have warned Iran of potential severe repercussions, although specific measures remain unspecified.
We are looking into reports that the Iranian regime has executed German-Iranian dual citizen Jamshid Sharmahd, which, if true, would represent the latest abhorrent act in the regime’s long history of transnational repression and accelerating rate of executions. Sharmahd should…
— Office of the Special Envoy for Iran (@USEnvoyIran) October 28, 2024
Broader Implications and Reactions
Iran’s actions against Sharmahd, coupled with previous executions of dissidents abroad like Ruhollah Zam and Farajollah Cha’ab, indicate a pattern of targeting overseas critics. Amidst this discontent, U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for Iran, Abram Paley, called the execution “abhorrent” and an example of “transnational repression.” Meanwhile, the European Union is contemplating its response, pending consultations with member nations.
The controversy encapsulates a complex weave of transnational oppression and international negotiation difficulties, with Gazelle Sharmahd appealing for legitimate actions from both American and German officials. Her father’s death highlights the moral complexities entangled in governmental dealings involving prisoner and financial exchanges.
Sources:
- Daughter of CA Man Executed by Iran: Biden-Harris ‘Did Nothing’ for My Dad, Gave Iran $6 Billion
- Iranian-German prisoner Jamshid Sharmahd, who lived in US, executed in Iran over terror conviction
- Daughter of California man executed by Iran slams ‘incompetent’ Biden-Harris admin: ‘You left him to die’
