Iran executed Jamshid Sharmahd, a dual German-Iranian national and vocal opponent of the government, on October 28, 2024, following a controversial trial that drew international criticism. Sharmahd, 69, had been accused of involvement in a 2008 terrorist bombing, a charge his family contended was unfounded.
Captured in Dubai in 2020, Sharmahd was living in California with permanent U.S. residency at the time of his abduction. He operated a website for the Kingdom Assembly of Iran, or Tondar, a group advocating for the overthrow of the Iranian government. His case stands out due to the Iranian regime's rare tendency to execute dual citizens, prompting global discussions around Iran's legal proceedings and treatment of opponents.
Prior to Sharmahd's execution, human rights organizations criticized the Iranian judiciary for its lack of transparency and fairness. In recent years, Iran has executed other dual nationals, raising alarm among advocates for human rights and justice worldwide. The international community is increasingly scrutinizing Iran's approach to political dissidents, particularly those with western ties.
