UN Experts Denounce Death of Arbitrarily Detained Journalist Jamshid Sharmahd in Iran
UN human rights experts have condemned the death of journalist Jamshid Sharmahd, who was arbitrarily detained in Iran and subjected to severe rights violations prior to his demise. The UN highlighted the lack of legal justification for his detention and criticized Iran’s human rights record related to capital punishment. Sharmahd’s case draws attention to the ongoing need for protection of individual rights within the country.
United Nations human rights experts have expressed their condemnation regarding the death of journalist Jamshid Sharmahd, who was subjected to arbitrary detention in Iran. The experts highlighted the grievous circumstances surrounding Sharmahd’s demise, noting that he was a victim of kidnapping and numerous violations of fundamental rights, including his right to a fair trial. His body was returned to Germany on February 7, 2025, marking a protracted struggle for justice by his family and supporters.
Sharmahd, a dual citizen of Iran and Germany, had been arrested in 2020 by Iranian authorities in the United Arab Emirates without a warrant. In 2023, the Iranian Supreme Court sentenced him to death for “corruption on Earth.” Iranian officials announced his death in custody in November 2024, prior to his scheduled execution, but confirmation of the event came much later.
In a 2022 opinion, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that Sharmahd’s detention was devoid of legal justification, emphasizing the illegality of his kidnapping and transfer across borders. As a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Iran is bound to uphold the rights outlined therein, including the right to life and protection against arbitrary detention.
Iran’s human rights record is increasingly under scrutiny, particularly concerning its use of the death penalty and suppression of freedoms. During the UN 48th Session of the Universal Periodic Review, various nations condemned Iran’s policies. Additionally, recent incidents, such as the case of an Iranian singer sentenced to death for blasphemy, underscore the ongoing threats to human rights within the nation.
In summary, the UN experts’ condemnation of Jamshid Sharmahd’s death highlights serious human rights violations committed by Iran. His arbitrary detention and subsequent demise raise urgent concerns regarding the country’s adherence to international human rights laws. The situation calls for immediate attention and action to protect individuals from similar abuses in the future. The international community is called upon to urge Iran to respect human rights obligations and to halt all executions, ensuring that such tragic events are prevented in the future.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
