Statement by Jason Poblete, Attorney for Jamshid (Jimmy) Sharmahd from california

(Alexandria, Virginia) The “Iran expert group” is an independent team of United Nations human rights specialists tasked with monitoring and evaluating Iran’s adherence to international human rights laws. On February 12, 2024, they issued a findings report on the execution of GLA client, Jamshid (Jimmy) Sharmahd from California.

Their findings are important for justice and accountability efforts because they impartially highlight abuses, guide global efforts to hold violators accountable, and help protect future victims of unjust detention or other abuses.

In response to the United Nations’ Iran Experts Group, GLA President Jason Poblete issued the following statement:

"The Iranian regime’s unlawful execution of Jamshid (Jimmy) Sharmahd—a Californian, U.S. lawful permanent resident (LPR), and German national—is an egregious violation of international law. His kidnapping, arbitrary detention, torture, and execution amount to a state-sponsored crime that demands urgent international accountability.

In 2022, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) found that Jimmy’s detention was entirely unlawful and politically motivated, stating unequivocally that his kidnapping, rendition, and detention violated fundamental human rights norms.

Today, the UN Iran experts group also condemned Iran’s disregard for due process, the rule of law, and international conventions prohibiting arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances. Despite clear legal constructs under U.S., German, and international law, the Iranian regime ignored global calls for Jimmy’s release and executed him in secret—a gross violation of human rights that constitutes an extrajudicial killing under international law. Iran has now added further cruelty by delaying the dignified return of his remains to his grieving family.

The United States and Germany must take decisive action to hold Jimmy’s executioners accountable. This includes, for starters:

1. Targeting Iranian officials responsible for his detention and execution with Magnitsky-style sanction;
2. Pursuing criminal cases in Germany, the US, and other countries.​

This case is not just about one man—it is about defending the rule of law and ensuring that no government can kidnap, torture, and execute Americans, US LPRs, or political dissidents with impunity. We will not rest until those responsible for Jimmy’s unlawful detention and execution are held accountable. Justice must be served.

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