UN human rights experts condemned the death of Jamshid Sharmahd, a journalist who faced arbitrary detention in Iran. His case highlights the violations of fundamental rights, including the right to a fair trial. Sharmahd’s body was returned to Germany following his confinement and reported death, raising concerns regarding Iran’s human rights practices and the use of the death penalty.
UN human rights experts have recently expressed their condemnation regarding the death of Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian journalist who experienced arbitrary detention. The experts described his passing as shocking, particularly in light of his kidnapping and the infringement of numerous basic rights, including the right to a fair trial. Sharmahd’s body was reportedly returned to Germany on February 7, 2025, highlighting further violations of human rights associated with his detention and the delayed return of his remains to his family.
Sharmahd, who held German citizenship after being born in Iran, was arrested in the United Arab Emirates in 2020 without a legal warrant. In 2023, he was sentenced to death for alleged “corruption on Earth.” Iranian authorities announced his death in custody in November 2024, prior to the execution proceeding. However, the confirmation of his death only emerged recently, prompting outrage from global rights advocates.
In 2022, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued an opinion affirming the arbitrary nature of Sharmahd’s detention, citing the unlawful kidnapping and extradition from one country to another. The Working Group asserted that such actions contradict any legal justification for his confinement. As a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Iran is obliged to uphold the protections for fundamental human rights, including the right to life and the prohibition of arbitrary detention.
Iran’s record on human rights has been under scrutiny, particularly following its intensified crackdown on civil freedoms and the use of capital punishment. During a recent UN review, several nations criticized Iran’s judicial practices, noting the alarming trend of death sentences imposed on individuals for various charges, including blasphemy. This broader context underscores a serious concern for the protection of human rights within the country.
The death of Jamshid Sharmahd has sparked condemnation from UN experts who highlight the grave human rights violations he endured during his arbitrary detention. His case exemplifies the pressing issues of unlawful detentions and executions in Iran, raising alarms about the country’s adherence to international human rights standards. As the situation remains critical, calls for improvements in Iran’s judicial practices and the cessation of capital punishment continue to grow.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
