Europe and Iran on Collision Course: Berlin Recalls Ambassador as Tehran Slams ‘Hypocrisy’ Over Jamshid Sharmahd Execution
Iran Accuses Europe of Hypocrisy Over Execution of Iranian-German Dissident
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi Responds to EU Statement
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accused European countries of “hypocrisy” following a statement by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. Araqchi stated that Europe represents nothing but hypocrisy, citing the EU’s inaction in stopping the killing of Palestinians in Gaza and allowing refugees to return to their homes in Lebanon.
Iran Protests Against Germany’s Statement
Araqchi also protested the speech of his German counterpart, Annalena Bierbock, who criticized the Iranian authorities for executing dual citizen Jamshid Sharmahd. Araqchi insisted that there is no terrorist who goes unpunished in Iran, even if they are supported by Germany.
Background on Jamshid Sharmahd’s Execution
Jamshid Sharmahd, a German citizen, was executed by Iranian authorities on Monday. He had been detained since 2020 and was found guilty of “spreading corruption in the world” for his alleged involvement in an April 2008 attack on a mosque in Shiraz, which killed 14 people and injured around 300.
Iran Accuses Sharmahd of Leading a Pro-Monarchy Group
Iran has accused Sharmahd of leading a pro-monarchy group and planning other attacks in the country. Araqchi stated that a German passport does not offer impunity for anyone, let alone a terrorist criminal, and called on Bierbock to stop “distorting information”.
Family Demands Immediate Acceptance of Sharmahd’s Body
Sharmahd’s daughter, Ghazala Sharmad, claimed that proof of the execution was presented and demanded immediate acceptance of her father’s body. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the execution, stating that it was a scandal and that the opposition had not had the opportunity to defend itself against the accusations during the trial.
Germany Summons Iran’s Charge d’Affaires
The German Foreign Ministry announced that it had summoned Iran’s charge d’affaires following Sharmahd’s execution. The ministry expressed strong protest against the actions of the Iranian regime and reserved the right to take other measures.
German Ambassador Meets with Iran’s Foreign Minister
In parallel to summoning the charge d’affaires, the German ambassador to Tehran, Markus Potzl, met with Iran’s foreign minister in Tehran and strongly protested the killing of Jamshid Sharmahd.