Detention of Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris in Iran: Ministra di Educazione Nazionale, Elisabeth Borne, announces public exhibition of their portraits
Update on French Nationals Imprisoned in Iran:
After almost three grueling years in Iran's notorious Evin Prison, Cécile Kohler and her partner, Jacques Paris, continue to languish in inhumane conditions. As political prisoners in section 209, they face pervasive lighting, minimal physical activity, and scarce family contact, which their kin describe as "completely devastating" and them as being "at the edge of their tether"[1][2][3].
Cécile, a modern literature teacher, and Jacques, a former mathematics professor, were apprehended in May 2022 on espionage charges, vehemently denied by the couple[2][3]. Their incarceration appears to form part of Iran's broader strategy to maintain European hostages amid ongoing disputes over its nuclear program[4]. Despite recent releases of other French nationals, Kohler and Paris remain the sole known French detainees in Iran[3][4].
Minister of National Education Élisabeth Borne has shown unwavering concern for their wellbeing. Speaking on France Inter, she stated, "I'm worried after speaking with their parents," and added, "france is doing everything to ensure their release and provide them with our full support"[1]. At the Ministry of National Education, portraits of Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris will be displayed to demonstrate France's resilience in not forgetting them[1].
However, as of May 2025, no update has surfaced regarding their release. Their situation highlights the ongoing friction between France and Iran, with the French government labeling their detention as an act of "state hostage-taking"[4]. Solidarity rallies across France continue to urge for their swift release and bring awareness to their plight[3]. Yet, despite France's persistent efforts and concerns about their living conditions, deemed "comparable to torture under international law"[3], no immediate prospect of their freedom has been unveiled.
- Jacques Paris, the former mathematics professor currently detained in Iran, is facing harsh conditions similar to torture under international law.
- In response to the prolonged detention of Jacques Paris and Cécile Kohler, General News outlets and Crime & Justice sections have been reporting on the political implications and humanitarian concerns.
- Despite the ongoing efforts by high-ranking officials such as Minister of National Education, Élisabeth Borne, who has assured France's commitment to providing support and advocating for their release, the French nationals remain detained in Iran.
- The French government has publicly denounced the detention of Jacques Paris and Cécile Kohler as an act of "state hostage-taking," which is escalating tensions in the war-and-conflicts domain between France and Iran.
- Amidst the uncertain future for Jacques Paris and Cécile Kohler, criminal justice and human rights organizations worldwide continue to campaign for their immediate release, emphasizing the need for Iran's government to uphold international humanitarian norms.
