Iran’s Judicial Actions Under Fire After Execution Raises Human Rights Questions

Iranian-German national Jamshid Sharmahd dies in custody, raising questions about Iran’s judicial practices and human rights record.

At a Glance

Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian-German national, died before his planned execution in Iran
Germany holds Iran responsible for Sharmahd’s death, citing inhumane detention conditions
The case highlights ongoing concerns about Iran’s treatment of dual nationals and judicial practices
Iran’s use of executions has intensified, with 853 reported in 2023 and at least 274 in 2024 as of June
international community calls for reforms in Iran’s legal system and human rights practices

Sharmahd’s Death and International Response

Iranian state media recently reported the death of Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian-German national, before his planned execution. This development has sparked a renewed wave of international criticism against Iran’s judicial system and human rights practices. Sharmahd had been detained for years under conditions that the German foreign ministry described as inhumane and lacking necessary medical care.

The German government has taken a strong stance on the matter, with a foreign ministry official stating, “Iran is responsible for the death of Jamshid Sharmahd.” This declaration underscores the diplomatic tensions surrounding the case and highlights the ongoing concerns about the treatment of dual nationals in Iran.

Iran's regime executed a 20 y/o Jewish man today.

Arvin Nathaniel Ghahremani was attacked with a knife by a non-Jewish man to whom he had loaned money. The other man was killed.

Iran's law said Arvin could be saved if the other man's family agreed to accept blood money.

JTA… https://t.co/qzmvpS7E6g

— CIJA (@CIJAinfo) November 4, 2024

Iran’s Judicial Practices Under Scrutiny

Sharmahd’s case is not isolated but rather part of a broader pattern of controversial judicial practices in Iran. The country has faced criticism for its increased use of the death penalty, with Amnesty International reporting 853 executions in 2023 and at least 274 in 2024 as of June. These numbers have raised alarms in the international community about the state of human rights in Iran.

Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said, “While global and domestic media attention have been focused on regional tensions with Israel, the Iranian authorities have carried out the abhorrent arbitrary execution in secret of a young man who was subjected to torture and other ill-treatment in detention, including sexual violence, and then sentenced to death after a sham trial.”

The execution of Reza Rasaei, a 34-year-old Kurdish and Yaresan minority member, in connection with the “Woman Life Freedom” uprising further exemplifies the concerns about Iran’s use of capital punishment as a tool of political repression. Rasaei’s execution was carried out secretly, without prior notice to him, his family, or his lawyer, raising serious questions about due process and transparency in Iran’s legal system.

Calls for Reform and International Action

In light of these events, there are growing calls for reform within Iran’s legal system and for international action to address human rights concerns. Amnesty International has urged for a moratorium on executions in Iran and advocates for the abolition of the death penalty. The organization also emphasizes the need for constitutional, legal, and policy reforms to prevent further human rights violations and combat impunity.

The international community faces the challenge of addressing these concerns while navigating complex diplomatic relationships with Iran. As the situation continues to unfold, the case of Jamshid Sharmahd serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights issues in Iran and the need for continued global attention and action.