Journalist Jamshid Sharmahd: Navigating Dual Citizenship Risks in Iran

The execution of Jamshid Sharmahd underscores the severe risks facing journalists and dual nationals in nations marked by political turmoil.

At a Glance

Jamshid Sharmahd, a German-American journalist, was executed in Iran on October 28, 2024, for disputed terrorism charges.
Sharmahd was allegedly abducted by Iranian agents in 2020 while in Dubai.
His execution has elicited international condemnation and raised significant human rights concerns.
Germany and the EU have responded strongly against Iran’s actions.

An Arrest and Trial Under Suspicion

Jamshid Sharmahd’s journey from Tehran to Germany, and eventually the United States, mirrors the paths of those who seek citizenship in nations that value freedom. In 2020, his abrupt detainment by Iranian forces during a visit to Dubai marked the beginning of a protracted ordeal. Iran accused him of participation in the 2008 Shiraz mosque bombing—an allegation Sharmahd consistently denied. Human rights groups and foreign governments decried his trial as biased.

The Iranian regime further accused him of terrorist activities due to his affiliations with Tondar, a U.S.-based organization advocating for the restoration of Iran’s monarchy. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Iranian authorities swiftly labeled Tondar a terrorist organization. Driven by his convictions, Sharmahd’s work was framed through a political lens by Iranian officials.

We are looking into reports that the Iranian regime has executed German-Iranian dual citizen Jamshid Sharmahd, which, if true, would represent the latest abhorrent act in the regime’s long history of transnational repression and accelerating rate of executions. Sharmahd should…

— Office of the Special Envoy for Iran (@USEnvoyIran) October 28, 2024

International Backlash and Diplomacy

The Biden administration’s exclusion of Sharmahd in a 2023 prisoner deal with Iran invited criticism, contrasting it with past incidents involving detained U.S. citizens. Germany strongly opposed his execution, reflected by their diplomatic protests against Iran and the recalling of their ambassador. European leaders, aligning with human rights groups, unanimously condemned the trial and sentencing as a breach of human rights.

Meanwhile, Iranian representatives insisted on the legitimacy of their actions. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz denounced the trial, which he described as creating an “international legal mockery.” Furthermore, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated such executions would have dire consequences, echoing sentiments across European Union member states.

"Jamshid Sharmahd was executed because there are still people in Iran and around the world who believe that an establishment responsible for 'crimes against humanity' can be transformed by simply changing a president or parliament," Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi wrote…

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) October 29, 2024

Implications for Press Freedom and Dual Nationals

The execution of Sharmahd sends chilling reverberations through journalistic circles globally. This incident unequivocally highlights the perils journalists face, especially in authoritarian regimes seeking to suppress dissent. It also raises urgent questions regarding the protection of dual nationals, who often find themselves entangled in complex geopolitical dilemmas.

Sharmahd’s case encourages diplomatic actors to reassess strategies concerning dual citizenship while engaging moderate and conservative voices on an international stage. The precarious circumstances surrounding his life, detention, and eventual execution urge Western governments to fortify policies safeguarding civilians from unjust persecution.