dw.com
Iran Contradicts Itself on Sharmahd's Death
Contradictory statements from Iran regarding the death of German-Iranian software developer Jamshid Sharmahd, who was accused of involvement in a terrorist attack and whose death has further strained relations between Iran and Germany.
English
Germany
PoliticsInternational RelationsHuman Rights ViolationsMiddle EastGermany ConflictControversyDeath Penalty
Iranian GovernmentTondar GroupGerman Government
Jamshid SharmahdGazelle SharmahdAsghar JahangirAnnalena Baerbock
- How has Sharmahd's death affected relations between Germany and Iran?
- Sharmahd's death has significantly strained relations between Germany and Iran. Germany has responded by closing all three Iranian consulates in the country, a move condemned by Iran.
- Who was Jamshid Sharmahd and what were the circumstances surrounding his death?
- Jamshid Sharmahd was a 69-year-old German-Iranian software developer who was accused of involvement in a 2008 mosque bombing in Shiraz, Iran. He was kidnapped in Dubai in 2020 and sentenced to death in February 2023.
- What charge was Sharmahd convicted of, and what is significant about this charge?
- Sharmahd was charged with "corruption on earth," a broadly defined charge often used in Iran for various religious offenses. His trial and conviction have been widely criticized internationally.
- What was Sharmahd's background and what were his alleged links to the Tondar group?
- Before his alleged death, Sharmahd had been a long-time resident of California and was known for his work as a software developer. His links to the Tondar group, which seeks the overthrow of the Iranian regime, were revealed through a cyberattack.
- What conflicting statements were released by the Iranian government regarding Sharmahd's death?
- Iran initially announced Sharmahd's execution, but later contradicted itself, claiming he died before the execution could be carried out. This statement followed requests from his daughter for details surrounding his death and the return of his remains.