Information
Iran’s judiciary announced that two French nationals, believed to be Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, have been sentenced on multiple charges, including espionage for France and Israel. According to Iranian state media, one was handed a total of 31 years in prison and the other 32 years, though they will each serve only the longest single sentence under Iranian law. Both were reportedly convicted of spying, conspiring against national security, and assisting Israeli intelligence. Iran’s judicial agency Mizan claimed they were arrested in March 2023, despite reports showing they had been detained since May 2022. The convictions follow the recent acquittal of a Franco-German teenager, Lennart Monterlos, who was cleared of similar espionage accusations.
France has condemned the sentences as arbitrary and politically motivated, asserting that Kohler and Paris are being held under inhumane conditions in Tehran’s Evin Prison and denied proper consular access. The detentions come amid tense diplomatic exchanges, with Iran seeking the release of Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian student detained in Lyon on terrorism-related charges. Both countries accuse the other of fabricating charges against their citizens, while Iran’s Foreign Minister has hinted at a potential prisoner swap.
Source: AFP, Reuters
So What
The sentencing of the two French nationals is almost certain to increase tensions between France and Iran, further straining already fragile diplomatic relations. Their detention appears to be politically motivated, possibly intended to secure a diplomatic or prisoner exchange with France or the wider EU. This development also raises serious concerns about the safety of foreign travellers in Iran, who may face heightened risks of arbitrary arrest amid geopolitical manoeuvring.
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