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The execution of German-Iranian dual national Jamshid Sharmahd on charges of "corruption on Earth" has ignited international condemnation. Sharmahd was reportedly linked to a 2008 terror attack in Iran, a crime for which many believe he was unjustly sentenced following what rights groups call coerced confessions.

Iranian state media reported that Sharmahd was executed on Monday, following his conviction by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Court last year. The formal charge of "corruption on Earth" is a broad term frequently used by the Iranian regime to encompass various allegations, often tied to religious and political dissent. Sharmahd had been implicated in a deadly 2008 attack on a mosque in Shiraz, which resulted in the deaths of 14 people. Additionally, Iranian authorities have accused him of being in contact with intelligence agencies including the FBI, CIA, and Israeli Mossad.

The 69-year-old, who lived in California before his abduction in Dubai and detention in Iran, was accused of leading the terrorist group known as Tondar. This group, affiliated with the "Kingdom Assembly of Iran," is based in California and aims to re-establish the Iranian monarchy that was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. His daughter, Gazelle Sharmahd, has been at the forefront of efforts to spare her father from execution, stating her belief that diplomatic efforts would fail against what she describes as a "terrorist regime."

Germany has been vocally critical of the execution, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemning what she termed “the murder” of Sharmahd. She emphasized that the German government had tirelessly worked on Sharmahd’s case, warning Tehran of serious repercussions if the execution were carried out. Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed this sentiment, calling the execution a "scandal" and expressing his condolences to Sharmahd’s family. He criticized the lack of due process, noting that Sharmahd was denied a proper defense in court.

Further criticism came from conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz, who labeled the execution a "heinous crime" and called for decisive action against Iran, including the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador. Merz also urged for a downgrade in diplomatic relations and stronger European sanctions, arguing that Germany’s approach of "quiet diplomacy" with Iran had failed in light of Sharmahd’s execution.

Amnesty International has joined the chorus of criticism, describing Sharmahd’s trial as "grossly unfair." The human rights organization pointed out that Sharmahd was denied access to an independent lawyer and alleged that his state-appointed defense was inadequate. The group also highlighted that Sharmahd’s confessions were likely coerced, a common concern in cases involving political detainees in Iran.

The international community continues to grapple with the implications of Sharmahd’s execution, underscoring the ongoing tensions between Iran and Western nations over issues of human rights and judicial fairness.