Federal government draws consequences from enforcement

The federal government reached its first conclusion after Iran executed Jamshid Shamahead, a dual German-Iranian citizen. The British Foreign Office summoned the head of the Iranian embassy in Berlin to report “strong protests against the behavior of the Iranian regime.” Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock (Green Party) subsequently ordered the German ambassador to Tehran to return to Berlin. The federal government expressly reserves the right to take further measures. Relations between Germany and Iran hit new lows.

Iran's judiciary announced the execution of Shamahed on Monday. In the spring of 2023, he was sentenced to death in a controversial trial on terrorism charges. The federal government, relatives and human rights activists have strongly denied the charges against him.

These are the latest developments.

Scholz called the execution a scandal

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Berbock had strongly condemned the execution on Monday. Scholz called it a scandal. The killing “shows once again how inhumane the regime in Tehran is,” Berbock explained. Tehran has repeatedly made clear that “executing a German national will have serious consequences.”

The first consequences are now apparent. This morning the Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy was informed of the Federal Government's dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We strongly protest against the actions of the Iranian regime and reserve the right to take further measures,” the ministry wrote on Platform X.

There is currently no Iranian ambassador in Berlin. The previous ambassador left amid regular personnel changes, and his successor has yet to arrive. It is unlikely that a new ambassador will be sent soon after Shamahed's killing.

German ambassador protests in Tehran

Germany's ambassador to Tehran, Markus Poetzel, protested as Iran's foreign ministry summoned Berlin and was later recalled to Berlin “for consultations.” These are commonly used diplomatic tools in such crisis situations. The next stage could be to expel diplomats. Last year, two Iranian embassy staff were expelled after the verdict was announced. The Iranian government did the same thing.

If Germany uses this tool, it cannot be ruled out that other EU countries will also join. Such coordinated actions against Russia are already occurring. The EU's chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, wrote only on X that the bloc was considering “measures” in response.

Daughter blames federal government – Bell Bock calls her

Shamahed was mysteriously abducted while traveling from Dubai to Iran in the summer of 2020; several reports have cited Iranian intelligence services for the abduction. He has been held in solitary confinement ever since.

His daughter Gazelle, who lives in the United States, accused the U.S. and federal governments of taking no action to secure her father's release. “What else can they show you except that they abandoned you in every hostage negotiation?” If the news is true and there is solid evidence, they must take you home immediately and let you rest in peace. “

Foreign Minister Berbock called Ghazer Shamahed on Monday to express his condolences on behalf of the federal government. “We support our daughter's unequivocal wish that Jamshid Samahed's body be returned as soon as possible so that his family can say goodbye,” the ministry said.

On Monday, Foreign Minister Berbock spoke by phone with Gazel Samad.Image: trapezoid

Previously, Berbock had personally called on the Iranian Foreign Minister to overturn the verdict of Shamahed on many occasions. The Iranian judiciary refused consular access until the very end.

Amnesty International calls for arrest warrants for Iranian officials

Amnesty International Germany called on the federal government to launch a criminal investigation and issue arrest warrants for all “Iranian officials involved in the crimes against Jamshid Samad.” They must be held accountable! “

Shamakhed was born in Tehran in 1955 and came to Germany when he was seven. He grew up in Lower Saxony and ran a computer shop in the state capital Hannover for many years. In 2003, he eventually moved to California, USA, where he became active in politics. In the United States, Samad was active in the Iranian exile opposition group Tondar (Thunder). The Iranian government blames the monarchy for a 2008 attack in the city of Shiraz that killed several people. The accusations could not be independently confirmed – and surviving relatives have called for Shamahad to be executed.

Critics said Samad's trial was grossly unfair – he was not allowed to choose his own lawyer and his whereabouts remained unknown until the end. The confessions broadcast on state television may have been obtained under torture. Samad's trial was presided over by Abolghassem Salawati, also known as “Judge Death” and sanctioned by the United States and the European Union. (Sudanese Development Authority/Department of Political Affairs)

Iran defends execution of German-Iranian

The Iranian government has defended the execution of German-Iranian Jamshid Samahed. Written by Abbas Araghtschi, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Your government is complicit in the ongoing Israeli genocide,” he wrote to German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock. «Look around. Even your own compatriots will laugh at your arrogant human rights claims,” he wrote. (Sudanese Development Authority/Department of Political Affairs)

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