Nearly six months after the passing of German-Iranian dual national Jamshid Sharmahd while in Iranian custody, a memorial ceremony was conducted in Berlin to honor his memory. The event took place at a funeral parlour in the Neukölln district and was attended by his daughter and son, who reside in the United States. German Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir and Berlin’s Deputy Mayor Franziska Giffey were among those present.
In the evening, an Iranian opposition group organized a solidarity rally at the Brandenburg Gate, aiming to bring attention to the plight of political prisoners in Iran. Jamshid Sharmahd, a computer expert and entrepreneur, was born in Tehran in 1955. He spent his formative years in Hanover, Germany, before relocating to California in 2003, where he became actively involved with an Iranian opposition group in exile.
Sharmahd’s journey took a tragic turn in the summer of 2020 when he was mysteriously abducted while traveling from Dubai to Iran. In late October, Iran’s judiciary announced that Sharmahd would face execution following a conviction on terrorism charges in early 2023. This trial was widely criticized by relatives and human rights activists, who dismissed the allegations as baseless. Although Iran’s judiciary later claimed that Sharmahd was not executed but died in custody, the circumstances of his death remain shrouded in mystery.
At the memorial service, Sharmahd’s daughter reiterated her accusations against the U.S. and German governments for their inaction in securing her father’s release. Amnesty International has since called for an “independent, impartial, and effective” investigation into the unclear circumstances surrounding Sharmahd’s death, following an autopsy that left many questions unanswered.
(From left to right) Cem Özdemir, Gazelle Sharmahd, Duezen Tekkal, Clara Buenger, Franziska Giffey, and Flavia Zaka gather to honor Jamshid Sharmahd at his farewell ceremony.
Understanding the Impact
The events surrounding Jamshid Sharmahd’s death highlight significant concerns regarding political activism and international diplomacy. For communities worldwide, particularly those with ties to Iran, this situation underscores the risks faced by political dissidents and the complexities involved in international justice and human rights advocacy.
The ongoing mystery and lack of transparency in Sharmahd’s case may foster distrust in governmental and international bodies among citizens, potentially affecting public confidence in their ability to protect and advocate for nationals abroad. Furthermore, this incident may encourage more robust discussions about the role of international communities in addressing human rights violations and the importance of persistent diplomatic efforts to support political prisoners globally.