Jamshid Sharmahd, a German-Iranian journalist residing in the United States, was executed in Iran today for allegedly planning a “terrorist attack” and charges of “corruption on earth.” His execution follows the final approval of the court’s decision by Iran’s Supreme Court.
Sharmahd, who lived in the US, was accused of being the ringleader of the Tondar (Thunder) terrorist group, also known as the Kingdom Assembly of Iran. He was sentenced to death in 2023 for allegedly orchestrating a 2008 terrorist attack on a religious congregation center in Shiraz, Fars Province, which resulted in the deaths of 14 people and injuries to nearly 200 others. In February, he was sentenced to death on charges of “corruption on earth” for planning and executing a series of terrorist acts against the Islamic Republic. This sentence was upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court in April.
The Kingdom Assembly of Iran is a decentralized Iranian monarchist opposition movement which aims to overthrow the Islamic Republic of Iran and restore the Iranian monarchy.
During the court sessions, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs stated that Sharmahd had claimed responsibility for the attack through his media outlet and had declared intentions to commit further acts of terror. Another lawyer alleged that the US government provided financial support to the terrorist group, paying substantial sums to their agents in Iran.
“The US has officially supported the Tondar terrorist group, and the headquarters of this terrorist group had been based in America,” said a lawyer during Sharmahd’s conviction, as reported by Iran’s state media Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). “The US has been notified many times through Interpol that this is a terrorist group, but not only no measures have been taken to prevent the actions of this group, they have also been supported.”
Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, condemned the execution, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “The killing of Jamshid Sharmahd shows what kind of inhumane regime rules in Iran.” She emphasized that Berlin had repeatedly warned Tehran that executing a German citizen would have serious consequences.
“We have repeatedly made it clear to Tehran that the execution of a German citizen will have serious consequences… The killing of Jamshid Sharmahd shows what kind of inhumane regime is in place there: a regime that uses death against its youth, its own population and foreign nationals.”
Human rights organizations have also condemned the execution. Sharmahd’s daughter, Gazelle Sharmahd, had been a vocal advocate for her father’s release, claiming he was forced to confess under torture. Amnesty International reported that Sharmahd had created a website to publish statements from the Kingdom Assembly of Iran, including claims of explosions inside Iran.
Sharmahd was allegedly kidnapped by Iranian agents in Dubai in 2020 and forcibly taken to Iran via Oman. In August 2020, Iran’s intelligence ministry announced his arrest following a “complex operation,” though details were not provided.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the execution a “scandal,” criticizing the lack of a fair trial. He stated, “Jamshid Sharmahd did not even receive the opportunity to defend himself against the charges at the trial.”
The execution of Jamshid Sharmahd has sparked international outrage and highlighted ongoing concerns about human rights and judicial processes in Iran. The case continues to draw significant attention from global leaders and human rights advocates.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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