Iran Upholds Dual National’s Death Sentence

Masoud Setayeshi, the spokesman of the judiciary, announced the news of the high profile case in a press conference on Wednesday.

The news of Sharmahd’s kidnapping in Dubai and transfer to Tehran by regime agents was first released in August 2020. He was accused of heading a pro-monarchist group, Kingdom Assembly of Iran, behind of a deadly 2008 bombing and planning other attacks across the country.

Based in Los Angeles, the little-known group seeks to restore the Iranian monarchy that was overthrown by the 1979 Islamic revolution. It also runs pro-Iranian opposition radio and television stations abroad.

Since his arrest, human rights organizations have warned of 67-year-old Sharmahd’s deteriorating health. Sharmahd, who also holds US residency, has been held in solitary confinement and was denied an independent attorney and fair legal procedures. In February, Iran's judiciary sentenced him to death.

Sharmahd's daughter, Ghazaleh, has repeatedly asked German leaders to prevent the execution of her father and to work harder for his release. He is one of an unknown number of Western prisoners held in what human rights organizations have dubbed hostage diplomacy.

The prisoners in question have been arrested on charges of espionage or other alleged crimes. In some cases, they have been held for years without access to legal representation or a fair trial. This has led to accusations of arbitrary detention and a lack of due process.

The Islamic Republic denies any wrongdoing and argues that the prisoners are being held for legitimate reasons.