French couple leave Iran after more than three years in jail

A French couple, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, have departed Iran following nearly three years of imprisonment on espionage allegations, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. The pair was arrested during a visit to the country in May 2022 and spent time in Tehran’s Evin prison, a facility known for its harsh conditions. France claimed the charges against them were unfounded, and they were eventually released in November, subsequently remaining under house arrest at the French embassy in Tehran.

Macron shared a message on X, stating, “This is a relief for all of us and obviously for their families.” He also acknowledged Oman’s role in facilitating their release through mediation efforts. A French foreign ministry representative confirmed to AFP that the couple left Iran at dawn on Tuesday, traveling in a diplomatic convoy with the French ambassador. Their destination was neighboring Azerbaijan, though specifics of their journey were not disclosed.

“They told me of their emotion and joy at soon being reunited with their country and their loved ones,” wrote France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, in a post on X. He emphasized their “free at last” status and described the process as the result of sustained diplomatic work.

Paris’s daughter, Anne-Laure Paris, expressed anticipation for their return to France, saying, “We are waiting for their return to France so we can give them a big hug.” In October, an Iranian court had sentenced Paris to 17 years and Kohler to 20 years for allegedly spying for France and Israel. Their release came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced a deal to exchange French detainees for Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian woman convicted in February for promoting terrorism via social media.

French authorities did not confirm the exchange agreement, but Esfandiari’s lawyer stated that her house arrest in France ended as part of the arrangement. The Iranian state news agency IRNA reported that the couple’s freedom was tied to a broader agreement between France and Iran, which also included Esfandiari’s full release. Barrot highlighted the efforts of the embassy team in ensuring their safe departure under challenging circumstances.

The detainees’ release occurs amid the Middle East war, which began in late February with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Tehran has retaliated by targeting Israel and US-aligned Gulf states, escalating the conflict into Lebanon and causing widespread damage. France and other European nations have backed certain U.S. operations in the region but have avoided direct involvement in the broader war.