After more than three years behind bars in Iran, two French citizens were set free on Tuesday.
Cécile Kohler, 41, and her partner Jacques Paris, 72, were detained in May 2022 while visiting Iran on what they described as a holiday. Iranian authorities accused them of espionage and sentenced them to long prison terms, claims that both France and their families have consistently dismissed as false.
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X, expressing his “huge relief” at the news of their release.
A support committee formed on behalf of the couple announced its “immense joy” and thanked everyone “who worked tirelessly to make this day possible.”
France’s foreign minister confirmed that the pair are now “safe” at the French embassy in Tehran, where they are staying “ahead of their final release.”Jean-Noël Barrot added that both appeared relieved and in good mental and physical condition.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei also confirmed that the couple had been released on bail and would remain “under supervision until the next judicial stage.”
It is still unclear when Kohler and Paris will be allowed to return to France.
The couple is among many foreign or dual nationals held in Iran in recent years on charges linked to espionage. Western governments accuse Iran of arresting foreigners to gain political leverage, an accusation Iran denies.
In September, France dropped its case against Iran at the International Court of Justice, which accused Tehran of violating the couple’s right to consular protection.
