The German Foreign Ministry summoned Iran’s embassy head following the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd, a German-Iranian dual citizen, expressing strong protest and potential consequences. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the execution as a scandal, emphasizing failures in the trial process. Opposition calls for severing diplomatic ties ensued, while Sharmahd’s family criticized the German government’s efforts. Sharmahd, a regime critic, was executed after being convicted of “corruption on earth,” with allegations of torture during his detention.
On Tuesday, the German Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador in Berlin to voice strong objections over the execution of dual German-Iranian citizen Jamshid Sharmahd. The ministry announced on Platform X, “We have expressed our firm protest against the actions of the Iranian regime and maintain the right to take further steps.”
The German ambassador in Tehran has also lodged a “strongest possible” protest with the Iranian foreign minister. As a result, the ambassador has been recalled to Berlin for consultations.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had previously warned Iran of potential repercussions. Speaking in Berlin late Monday, she acknowledged the Federal Foreign Office’s relentless efforts on Sharmahd’s behalf, noting that “a high-ranking team” had made multiple trips to Tehran regarding his case. “We have clearly communicated to Tehran that the execution of a German citizen will lead to significant consequences,” she stated.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the execution, calling it a “scandal” in a post on Platform X. He expressed that “Jamshid Sharmahd was not afforded the chance to defend himself during his trial.” Scholz emphasized that the German government had consistently advocated for Sharmahd, extending his condolences to the family.
Criticism of the German Government from Sharmahd’s Family
Opposition leader Friedrich Merz has urged for the Iranian ambassador’s expulsion from Germany, asserting that “downgrading diplomatic relations to a chargé d’affaires level is justified,” as he stated on X.
Gazelle Sharmahd, the daughter of the executed individual, has publicly criticized the German government for not doing enough to help her father. On X, she expressed her belief that Germany should impose more “economic pressure” on Iran. Additionally, she met with Baerbock in September 2023 to discuss her father’s situation.
Sharmahd was executed on Monday morning, according to reports from the Iranian justice portal Misan. He was sentenced earlier in the year, with allegations stating he disappeared during a business trip to Dubai in 2020.
Sharmahd’s Conviction for “Corruption on Earth”
His family suspects that he was abducted by Iranian authorities. Shortly after, Iranian state media aired footage of what appeared to be a tortured Sharmahd, who allegedly confessed at that time. Since then, he has remained imprisoned in Iran, and his family has had limited contact with him.
Sharmahd moved to Germany from Iran in 1980 and worked for Siemens for 16 years. He obtained German citizenship in 1995 and later relocated to the USA, where he became involved in the opposition movement “Tondar,” aiming to overthrow the Islamic Republic and restore a monarchy.
Iran accused Sharmahd of participating in a terrorist attack on an Iranian mosque in 2008 and claimed he had connections to foreign intelligence agencies. His family denies these allegations. Ultimately, like many government critics, Sharmahd was convicted of “corruption on earth.”
In response to this verdict, Germany expelled two Iranian diplomats last year and Baerbock summoned the Iranian ambassador. However, accessing Sharmahd at the German embassy in Tehran was not possible for some time, citing his Iranian citizenship.