Iran confirmed on Tuesday the release of two French citizens who had been held prisoner in the country for over three years. Cécile Kohler, 41, and her partner, Jacques Paris, 72, were arrested in May 2022.
The pair insisted they were on holiday in the country, but they were sentenced to long jail terms after being charged with espionage.
Both their families and the French government have consistently maintained that the allegations suggesting they worked for intelligence services were entirely unfounded.
Relief and Confirmation from Paris
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “huge relief” on social media following news of their release. A support committee established for the couple also conveyed its “immense joy” and gratitude toward everyone “who has worked tirelessly to make this day possible.”
France’s foreign minister confirmed on Tuesday that the two individuals are now “safe” at the embassy in Tehran. This marks a step “ahead of their final release” from the country. The minister reported that the couple were visibly relieved and appeared to be in good mental and physical health.
An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, confirmed that the release was granted on bail. He added that the two teachers would be placed “under supervision until the next judicial stage.” It remains unclear exactly when Kohler and Paris will be allowed to return to France.
The Context of Detentions and Swaps
Kohler and Paris were among dozens of foreign and dual nationals arrested by Iran in recent years. These detentions are frequently based on charges related to espionage.
Western nations have repeatedly accused Tehran of utilizing foreign prisoners as diplomatic bargaining tools, an allegation the Iranian government rejects.
In September, Paris dropped its case before the International Court of Justice. The case had accused Iran of violating the right to consular protection for the couple. At that time, Iran’s foreign minister indicated that the two countries were close to reaching an agreement on a prisoner swap.
Last month, a court in Paris granted conditional release to an Iranian national who had been in custody in France. Tehran had been pressuring Paris for months to release Mahdieh Esfandiari, a student living in Lyon.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed she was placed under judicial supervision, with a prohibition on leaving French territory. Esfandiari, who was arrested in February, faces charges of “inciting terrorism online” and is scheduled for trial in Paris in January.
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