Two French citizens, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, are in custody in Iran. French President Emmanuel Macron is vigorously advocating for the release of these detainees, whom he refers to as France's hostages.
Let's Get 'Em Outta There: France's Persistent Pursuit for Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris's Release
France ain't backing down from its relentless crusade to secure the freedom of Cécile Kohler (a 40-year-old literature educator hailing from eastern France) and Jacques Paris (a 70-something companion of hers)—two individuals who've been shackled away in Iran for a solid three years now. Making a statement on Wednesday, May 7th, President Emmanuel Macron made it clear: "We're gunning for their release!" he exclaimed on X. He added, "Rest assured, their families have my unshakable backing."
In early April, Paris made it plain as day that it's gonna serve up a lawsuit like a steamy baguette against Tehran at the International Court of Justice, all due to alleged rights violations. These fellow nationals have a right to consular protection, after all, and Tehran allegedly disregarded that!
With Wednesday looming large, France's got its citizens taking to the streets in a wave of support. Why's that? 'Cause these two got nabbed without a shred of evidence, according to Jean-Noël Barrot, France's Foreign Minister. FYI, he shared that vital info in a video on X.
An "Unacceptable Situation"
So, let's recap the lowdown: Kohler and Paris got collared on the last day of a vacation in Iran. They're slapped with espionage charges, but they and their supporters assert they're innocent. Currently, they're locked up in Section 209 of Tehran's infamous Evin prison, a zone reserved for political prisoners. Jean-Noël Barrot's been shouting from the rooftops about them enduring "inhuman conditions amounting to torture!" He's even slammed Iran's "unacceptable situation" on TF1.
Feeling angry about foreigners being detained willy-nilly, Barrot advises French nationals to steer clear of Iran to sidestep the risk of arbitrary arrest[5]. Between 2023 and 2025, at least five citizens were sprung after spending months or even years behind bars, but Kohler and Paris still hold the record for three years of imprisonment—including three months under total isolation[5].
The French government labels the duo as "state hostages" and has been fighting tooth and nail to secure their release, according to Macron[1]. However, a release ain't imminent, leaving everyone feeling a bit despondent[2][3].
As for France, it's rallying up solidarity rallies and diplomatic endeavors to shed light on the case and push for their release. Despite these efforts, the two's conditions remain grim, with families and former detainees likening their treatment to "torture under international law," according to reports[4]. The fates of Kohler and Paris are just another chapter in a broader tale where several European nationals are captives in Iran, often seen as a strategy to nudge Western countries[3].
- Jean-Noël Barrot, the French Foreign Minister, stated in a video in X that Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, detained in Iran for three years, were arrested without any evidence.
- In 2025, France will potentially serve legal action against Tehran at the International Court of Justice, accusing Iran of human rights violations, specifically, disregarding the consular protection rights of their citizens, such as Kohler and Paris.
- French politician Jean Barrot has publicly declared that Kohler and Paris, currently in Evin prison in Tehran, are facing inhumane conditions and torture, terming the overall situation as unacceptable.
- In connection with the ongoing detention of Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, Jean Barrot has advised French citizens to avoid traveling to Iran to prevent arbitrary arrests.
