France condemns lengthy prison sentences for citizens in Iran

The French government condemned the “unfounded” charges and “arbitrary” long prison sentences handed to two of its citizens, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, detained in Iran since 2022. The couple, both academics, were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 10 to 20 years on charges including espionage and assisting Israeli intelligence, which France categorically rejected as fabricated. The French Foreign Ministry demanded their “immediate release,” accusing Iran of using its citizens as political bargaining tools.

The sentencing came as a blow after hopes of a potential prisoner swap between France and Iran had emerged. The two countries had recently signaled progress in negotiations, including the possibility of exchanging prisoners. However, the harsh sentences have cast doubt on the success of these talks and exacerbated tensions between Paris and Tehran.

Kohler and Paris have been held in Iran’s notorious Evin prison, where conditions are reported to be harsh and akin to torture, a claim Iran denies. The French government’s efforts, including legal actions at the International Court of Justice, have not yet resulted in their release. The case highlights Iran’s controversial practice of “hostage diplomacy,” where foreign nationals are detained to leverage political or diplomatic negotiations.