Iran claims German prisoner died before execution
An Iranian official claimed Tuesday that Iranian-German prisoner Jamshid Sharmahd died before authorities could carry out his execution, contradicting Tehran’s earlier announcement that he had been executed.
The conflicting statements surrounding Sharmahd’s death have fueled tensions between Germany and Iran, with Germany responding by closing three Iranian consulates within its borders.
“We have repeatedly and unequivocally made it clear to Tehran that the execution of a German citizen will have serious consequences,” Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said, announcing the closure of the consulates in Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg in a televised speech.
Berlin will be the only Iranian consulate available to the German public for the foreseeable future.
“Jamshid Sharmahd was sentenced to death, his sentence was ready to be carried out, but he passed away before implementation of the sentence,” Iran’s judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir stated to Quds newspaper.
He offered no further details about the circumstances of Sharmahd’s death.
Originally, Iran alleged it executed Sharmahd on October 28. He was 69.
Koosha Mahshid Falahi/Mizan News Agency via AP, File
Germany Disputes Iran’s Claims Over Sharmahd
Germany’s Foreign Ministry immediately challenged Jahangir’s remarks, asserting that Iranian officials had confirmed Sharmahd’s death to them.
“Jamshid Sharmahd was abducted by Iran and held for years without a fair trial, in inhumane conditions and without the necessary medical care,” a ministry spokesperson said. “Iran is responsible for his death.”
Iran’s Supreme Court confirmed in April that he would receive death by hanging for “corruption on Earth.”
The German government added that it was lobbying Iran to release Sharmahd’s body to his family.
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Background: Allegations Against Sharmahd and His Detention
Iran accused Sharmahd of masterminding a 2008 attack on a mosque that killed 14 people and injured over 200 others. Tehran alleged that Sharmahd, who lived in California, was affiliated with the Kingdom Assembly of Iran opposition group and its Tondar militant wing, which it claimed were responsible for attacks within Iran.
His family denies these accusations, and rights groups have condemned his trial as lacking due process.
Amnesty International criticized Iran’s handling of Sharmahd’s case, noting he was denied an independent lawyer and given a “grossly unfair trial.”
However, Amnesty also acknowledged that Sharmahd ran a website for the Kingdom Assembly of Iran and the same suspected militant wing that included claims of “responsibility for explosions inside Iran,” though he repeatedly denied being involved in the attacks.
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What His Family’s Lawyer Has to Say
Jason Poblete, legal representative for the Sharmahd family, voiced concern over Iran’s conflicting statements about Sharmahd’s death and urged German and U.S. authorities to seek accountability immediately.
“This inconsistency raises serious questions about the circumstances of the death and the transparency of the Iranian system,” he said.
“The family has been urging the German and U.S. authorities to investigate this matter to ascertain the truth, ensure accountability thoroughly, and reunite Jimmy with his family in California.”
His family received their last message from him on July 28, 2020.
There followed two days of silence before Iran announced it had captured Sharmahd in a “complex operation.” From then onward they consider themselves to have been fighting a losing battle.
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How Will Iran Resolve Its Tensions With Germany?
Sharmahd’s case has escalated the already tense relations between Iran and Western nations over Tehran’s nuclear program, human rights abuses, and involvement in regional conflicts such as Israel.
Iran’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized Germany’s response, stating, “When someone, who has slaughtered dozens, is executed, they say you do not observe human rights.”
Pezeshkian, known for his stance against international sanctions, characterized the Western reaction as interference in Iran’s judicial affairs.
The Iranian government announced Sharmahd’s capture in 2020, calling it a “complex operation” and releasing photos of him blindfolded.
Since his reported death, the diplomatic strains have only intensified, as Germany and the United States continue pressing for answers on how and when Sharmahd’s life ended.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
