Transfer of Jamshid Sharmad's Body to Germany After Execution in Iran

The body of Jamshid Sharmad, a dual-national political prisoner who was executed by the Islamic Republic of Iran a few months ago, was handed over to the German government today after completing legal procedures. According to a report by 'Student News Agency' citing the Iranian judiciary, the process of transferring Sharmad's body to Germany has been completed, and this action was carried out 'within the framework of judicial and diplomatic procedures and in response to his family's request.' Jamshid Sharmad, 69, was an Iranian-German dual citizen and an opposition figure against the Islamic Republic, who was abducted by Iranian security forces from Dubai and transferred to Iran in 2020. He was accused of leading the 'Tondar' group and being involved in the bombing of the Hosseiniyeh in Shiraz in 2008, which the Iranian government claimed was carried out by this group. He was charged with 'Moharebeh' (waging war against God) and ultimately sentenced to death. His death sentence was carried out in Aban 1403 (November 2024). His execution faced severe international backlash. The German government repeatedly expressed concern over his case, and Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany, called for an immediate cancellation of the death sentence before it was carried out. The German Foreign Ministry also deemed this action a violation of human rights and called for further sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Sharmad's execution drew sharp criticism from the United Nations, the European Union, and the governments of the United States and Germany. Many human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, described the trial process of this political prisoner as unfair and accused the Iranian government of violating the rights of the accused. The then-spokesperson for the U.S. State Department emphasized in response to Jamshid Sharmad's execution that the Islamic Republic executes Iranians solely for exercising their fundamental human rights. The transfer of Jamshid Sharmad's body to Germany is a new step in a case that still has extensive political and international dimensions. While the Islamic Republic has introduced this action as part of judicial and diplomatic procedures, German officials continue to protest the manner of his arrest, trial, and execution. This issue could further impact Iran-Germany relations and lead to increased international pressure against Tehran. The return of the German ambassador to Tehran and negotiations for the transfer of Jamshid Sharmad's body are ongoing. The judiciary spokesperson reiterated claims that Jamshid Sharmad died in prison before his execution. Hundreds of human rights violations by the Islamic Republic have been documented in Aban month. A statement from hundreds of civil and human rights activists against widespread executions in Iran. Germany: The Islamic Republic is responsible for Jamshid Sharmad's death. The judiciary claimed that Jamshid Sharmad 'had a stroke in prison before his execution.'