German-Iranian national and long-time U.S. resident executed in Iran

 German-Iranian national and long-time U.S. resident executed in Iran

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In a recent and troubling development, the Iranian government executed a German-Iranian national who had been a long-time resident of the United States. This incident has sparked international outrage, raising questions about the ongoing human rights situation in Iran, and underscoring the precarious position of dual nationals entangled in Iran’s complex political landscape.

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The individual, Jamshid Sharmahd, was originally born in Iran but spent much of his life in Germany and later the United States, where he was well-regarded within his community. An engineer and outspoken political dissident, he became increasingly involved in political activism over the years, openly criticizing the Iranian regime. His work primarily focused on advocating for democratic reforms, and he was associated with the Kingdom Assembly of Iran, an opposition group that calls for the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in the country. Iranian authorities labeled him as a terrorist, accusing him of involvement in planning attacks inside Iran, including a 2008 bombing. However, the evidence presented against him has been widely criticized as insufficient, and many argue that his trial fell far short of international standards for due process.

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In 2020, Sharmahd was allegedly lured from Dubai to Oman, where he was abducted and forcibly returned to Iran. He spent the following years in solitary confinement, enduring harsh interrogations and denied access to a fair trial or international legal representation. Human rights groups and various governments repeatedly condemned Iran’s treatment of Sharmahd, accusing the Iranian authorities of using his case as a means of intimidating dual nationals and silencing dissent.

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Germany, the United States, and numerous human rights organizations persistently campaigned for Sharmahd’s release, appealing to the Iranian authorities and engaging in diplomatic negotiations. Despite these efforts, Sharmahd's health reportedly deteriorated while in Iranian custody, exacerbated by the lack of adequate medical care.

Sharmahd’s execution, which took place without prior notification to his family or legal team, has drawn international condemnation. The German government expressed “deep shock” and vowed to hold Iran accountable, while U.S. officials denounced the execution as an egregious violation of human rights. His case has intensified the debate over Iran’s treatment of political prisoners, particularly dual nationals, who are often caught in the crossfire of diplomatic tensions. Critics argue that such actions are part of a broader strategy by Iran to use detainees as bargaining chips, leveraging foreign nationals to exert pressure on other governments.

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The execution has brought renewed scrutiny to Iran’s judiciary system and heightened global awareness about the plight of political dissidents within the country. Sharmahd’s story is now emblematic of the dangerous reality faced by dual nationals and those who dare to voice opposition to authoritarian regimes. His family has vowed to continue advocating for other political prisoners still held in Iranian custody, hoping that international pressure will ultimately bring about reform and justice for those who cannot freely speak out.

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The tragic conclusion of Jamshid Sharmahd’s life has amplified calls for human rights protections globally, spotlighting the urgent need for diplomatic and international efforts to protect individuals at risk of state-sanctioned violence and to ensure that freedom of expression and peaceful activism are not punished with imprisonment or death.