UN experts have condemned the death of journalist Jamshid Sharmahd, who died in arbitrary detention in Iran. He was kidnapped and denied basic rights, leading to concerns about human rights violations. Sharmahd’s death and the handling of his remains have sparked calls for Iran to halt judicial executions and respect international human rights obligations.
UN human rights experts have condemned the confirmed death of Jamshid Sharmahd, who died while arbitrarily detained in Iran. The experts described his passing as “appalling,” particularly highlighting the circumstances of his kidnapping and the infringement upon his fundamental rights, including the right to a fair trial. The body of the 69-year-old journalist was returned to Germany on February 7, 2025, amid concerns regarding human rights violations during his detention.
Sharmahd, an Iran-born German citizen, was detained in 2020 without a warrant by Iranian authorities while in the United Arab Emirates. In 2023, he was sentenced to death for “corruption on Earth” by the Iranian Supreme Court, subsequently declared dead in November 2024, prior to the execution of his sentence. The confirmation of his death was delayed until recently, raising issues regarding the treatment of his remains and human rights breaches involved.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention previously stated that Sharmahd’s detention was lacking legal basis, citing his kidnapping and illegal transfer across borders. As a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Iran is obligated to uphold human rights, including Article 6 which preserves the right to life, Article 9 which prohibits arbitrary detention, and Article 14 ensuring the right to a fair trial.
Iran has consistently faced scrutiny over its human rights practices. During the UN’s 48th Universal Periodic Review, various countries criticized Iran’s repression of freedoms and ongoing use of the death penalty. Notably, in January, an Iranian singer was sentenced to death for blasphemy, reflecting a dire threat to human rights in the country.
The death of journalist Jamshid Sharmahd, following years of arbitrary detention in Iran, highlights grave human rights violations, including illegal arrest and denial of fair trials. UN experts emphasize the need for Iran to cease judicial executions and uphold its international commitments under human rights treaties. The ongoing pattern of harsh penalties, such as recent death sentences, underscores a systemic issue regarding fundamental rights in the region.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
