Germany, EU Condemn Iran's Execution of Sharmahd

Germany and the European Union have condemned Iran's execution of 69-year-old Jamshid Sharmahd, a German-Iranian dissident, labeling it a 'scandal' and warning of potential retaliatory measures. Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the execution as an egregious act, while Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized that Iran's 'inhumane regime' would face serious consequences. Sharmahd, who had been imprisoned since 2020 after being kidnapped in the UAE, was accused of involvement in a 2008 mosque bombing and sentenced to death for 'corruption on Earth.' His family has consistently protested his innocence and is calling for his body to be returned and punitive measures against Iran. The EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell echoed these sentiments, stating that the bloc is considering its own measures in response to this killing. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have characterized the execution as a cruel and unjust act, highlighting concerns over the fairness of Sharmahd's trial.