Germany condemns execution of German-Iranian citizen Jimshid Sharmahd

In September 2022, protests erupted across Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died while in police custody for allegedly violating hijab laws. These protests sparked widespread dissent against the Iranian regime, leading to cracks in its authority as citizens called for greater freedom, especially among women. Amid this unrest, the Iranian judiciary executed Jamshid Sharmahd, a dual German-Iranian citizen, on October 28, 2023. He was accused of heading a pro-monarchist group linked to a deadly mosque bombing in 2008 but his trial was perceived as a sham by Germany and human rights advocates, generating international outrage. In light of Sharmahd's execution, Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced that Germany would close all three Iranian consulates in the country, signifying the severe diplomatic consequences of this event. This response highlights ongoing tensions between Iran and Western nations, particularly regarding human rights abuses and the treatment of foreign nationals. Narges Mohammadi, an imprisoned Iranian human rights activist, also continues to advocate for women's rights in Iran, acknowledging the major violations of freedoms under the theocratic regime. These events underline the ongoing struggle against repression in Iran, as the government maintains its grip through harsh penalties to crush any dissent.