### Outrage in Germany Over Execution of Jamshid Sharmahd in Iran

The execution of German-American citizen Jamshid Sharmahd by the Iranian regime has sparked profound outrage among German officials and politicians. Jamshid Sharmahd's daughter, Gazelle Sharmahd, has vocally criticized both the German and US governments for purportedly failing to achieve his release.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the execution in the strongest terms, sharing his sentiments on X: "The execution of Jamshid Sharmahd by the Iranian regime is a scandal." He expressed that Sharmahd was denied a fair trial and his deepest condolences go out to Sharmahd's family. Additionally, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reiterated that her ministry had "tirelessly advocated for Jamshid Sharmahd," stressing to Tehran that there would be "serious consequences" for executing a German citizen.

Gazelle Sharmahd, however, expressed deep anger and frustration on social media, questioning the effectiveness of efforts made by Germany and the US over the past four years since her father was allegedly kidnapped in Dubai and forcibly taken to Iran. She challenged both governments to demonstrate what actions they had taken during this period, implying that they had abandoned him.

According to reports, Jamshid Sharmahd, who moved to the US in 2003, was seized by Iranian forces in Dubai in 2020, and after being brought to Iran, was sentenced to death in early 2023. He was accused of "corruption on Earth" related to an alleged 2008 bombing in Shiraz, charges that he denied. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have labeled his trial as "grossly unfair," noting that he was denied independent legal defense, and suggesting that a video confession was coerced.

The execution has led to calls for a strong response from Germany. While the specifics of Baerbock's "serious consequences" remain undefined, Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has demanded tougher measures, including enhancing sanctions on Iran and reducing the diplomatic status of Iranian representatives in Germany.

Other political figures, such as Lamya Kaddor from Baerbock's Green Party, have echoed the call for a robust response against Iran's human rights violations. However, some experts, like Diba Mirzaei from the German Institute for Global and Area Studies, express skepticism about the potential impact of further sanctions, citing already strained relations and limited avenues for additional pressure.

The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) had previously supported efforts to have German state prosecutors press charges against Iranian officials responsible for Sharmahd’s detention and torture, but received no response.

Houssein Al Malla, a researcher at GIGA, proposed that effective action could involve coordinated international sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, though the feasibility of this depends on Germany's ability to garner support from other EU countries.

In summary, the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd has significantly heightened tensions and calls for action against Iran, adding another layer of complexity to already fraught German-Iranian relations.