Dear European Union Representatives,
On behalf of the Iranska Föreningen mot Avrättningar (Iranian Association Against Executions – IFMA), we write to express our profound alarm and condemnation of the recent abduction and execution of Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian-German political activist. In 2020, Mr. Sharmahd was forcibly taken by Iranian agents from the United Arab Emirates without any legal extradition process, a direct violation of both international law and the UAE’s sovereignty.
This act contravenes numerous international conventions to which both Iran and the EU are committed, including the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Additionally, it violates Mr. Sharmahd’s right to due process and a fair trial under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Iran is also a signatory.
The charges against Mr. Sharmahd were pursued through an unjust legal process, characterized by arbitrary detention, a lack of access to an independent attorney, and documented instances of torture and ill-treatment. His conviction for Moharebeh, or “corruption on Earth”—a term frequently used by Iranian authorities to silence dissent—was based on a coerced confession broadcast on state television, further violating the rights enshrined in both the ICCPR and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The abduction of a German citizen from UAE territory underscores a significant threat to international security and freedom of expression for Iranians worldwide. We are deeply concerned that this case reflects a broader strategy of cross-border repression by the Iranian government, targeting dissidents abroad to suppress opposition.
The IFMA urgently calls upon the European Union to:
- Condemn these actions as serious violations of international law and human rights.
- Support an independent investigation into Mr. Sharmahd’s abduction and treatment while in Iranian custody.
- Advocate for accountability under international criminal law, including potential prosecution by Germany through its universal jurisdiction framework.
Decisive EU action will affirm a steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens, irrespective of the nationality of the perpetrators, and bolster global efforts against cross-border repression and human rights abuses.
Sincerely,
Iranska Föreningen Mot Avrättningar
