EU Condemns Sharmahd’s Execution Order in Iran

Following several German politicians, EU foreign policy chief Borrell expressed his disapproval of the German-Iranian Sharmahd’s death sentence. The verdict must be overturned, and consular support must be provided.

The execution of Jamshid Sharmahd by Iran has drawn criticism from the European Union. Josep Borrell, the head of the EU’s foreign policy, urged those in Tehran who were in charge to hold off on carrying out the sentence. Additionally, he demanded that the German-Iranian’s sentence be overturned.
Borrell criticised the fact that despite having German citizenship, the 68-year-old was unable to contact a lawyer of his choosing or receive consular support while he was being held.

Citicism of the death penalty in general

The representative for EU foreign policy emphasised that he abhorred the death penalty in its entirety. It transgresses the Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ enshrined inalienable right to life. It stands for the most heinous, inhumane, and humiliating punishment.
He urged Iran to forego executions, pursue a consistent death penalty abolition policy, and strictly uphold its international obligations.

Previous harsh critics of the death penalty included CDU leader Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. The decision had caused Iran and Germany to experience significant diplomatic tension.

Brought up in Germany

The death penalty was imposed on Sharmahd in February, and the decision was upheld on Wednesday. According to reports, the German-Iranian was detained in Dubai in the summer of 2020 and then transported to Iran by the Iranian secret service. He has been imprisoned ever since.

Sharmahd, who was born in Tehran and immigrated to Germany at the age of seven, was raised in Lower Saxony. He owned a computer store in Hannover. Since 1995, he has held dual citizenship with Germany.

Sharmahd took part in opposition in exile

The family man immigrated to the USA in 2003 and started a software business. Sharmahd was active in the “Tondar” (Thunder) exile opposition group there, which calls for the restoration of the monarchy in Iran.
The Iranian government accuses him of working with the CIA and FBI, among other things, and holds him accountable for a terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 14. The claims are refuted by Sharmahd’s family and human rights organisations.
A German-Iranian man was given the death penalty, and his daughter is calling for political pressure on the public.