Germany has ordered the closure of all three Iranian Consulates within its borders, located in Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich, following the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian-German citizen, by Iran.
Sharmahd, a resident of California, was apprehended by Iranian security forces in Dubai in 2020 and transferred to Iran, where he faced a trial in 2023 on charges of terrorism.
Western governments and human rights groups widely condemned the trial as unjust, and Germany, alongside other international bodies, demanded his release. His death sentence was carried out on Monday, prompting Germany to escalate its diplomatic response.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that the closures reflect Germany's severe disapproval of Iran’s actions, as Berlin had warned Tehran of "serious consequences" should they proceed with the execution.
Baerbock condemned Iran’s recent statements linking Sharmahd’s death to German support for Israel, viewing these as provocative and inappropriate.
Germany also recently summoned Iran’s charge d’affaires and recalled its ambassador for consultations as tensions over detained German citizens in Iran continue to mount.
The European Union has expressed its own dismay at the execution, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell noting that it will likely prompt significant measures against Iran. German authorities have further advocated for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to be designated as a terrorist organisation and may pursue broader EU sanctions.
Source:
abc NEWS
