French Citizens Held in Iran for Over Three Years
Two French nationals, Cecile Kohler and her partner Jacques Paris, have been charged with spying for Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad, according to diplomatic and family sources. The couple has been imprisoned in Iran since May 2022.
The charges against them are extremely serious. Iranian authorities accuse them of espionage for Mossad, conspiracy to overthrow the regime, and “corruption on earth”, a broad charge often used for crimes seen as damaging to the country. All three charges carry the death penalty under Iranian law.
Iran had previously claimed they were arrested for spying but had not clarified who they were allegedly working for. The new charges now name Mossad, Israel’s national intelligence agency, for the first time.
Denied Legal Rights and Contact
According to Kohler’s sister, the couple recently appeared before a judge who confirmed the charges. However, they still have not been allowed to meet independent lawyers, raising strong concerns about their legal defense and fair trial rights.
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A French diplomatic source also confirmed the accusations, saying, “We have been informed of these charges.” The source insisted that “Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris are innocent”, calling the charges “completely unfounded.”
France is demanding that the two detainees be given access to proper legal representation and continues to call for transparency from Iranian authorities. Kohler is 40 years old, and Paris, her partner, is 72.
This week, a French charge d’affaires was allowed to visit them in prison. It was the first direct update in some time, especially after recent developments in the region sparked new fears.
Evin Prison Strike Sparks Alarm
Kohler and Paris were being held in Tehran’s Evin prison, a facility known for housing political prisoners and foreigners. Last week, the prison was targeted in an Israeli airstrike, killing at least 79 people, according to Iran’s judiciary. The attack happened just before a proposed ceasefire between Israel and its regional opponents.
Since then, Iranian prison authorities said they moved some prisoners to other facilities. However, they did not say how many were transferred or where they were taken. Families of detainees were left in the dark for days, unsure of their loved ones’ safety.
There are reports that around 20 European nationals are currently imprisoned in Iran. Many of their cases have not been made public. Western governments, including France, have accused Iran of using foreign detainees as political tools, often calling it a form of “hostage diplomacy.”
Three more European citizens were arrested in Iran recently, two of whom are also accused of spying for Israel. Their identities have not yet been released.
The situation around Kohler and Paris remains tense. Their families continue to campaign for their release, and France has renewed calls for their rights to be respected.