Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Iran's
Two French people, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who were in an Iranian jail for over three years, have been let out.
The French President announced they were free and heading to the French Embassy.
Iran's government confirmed their release, saying it was an act of mercy.
However, they also said the two French people are still in Iran for now and need to follow some legal steps.
France had accused Iran of holding its citizens unfairly, and Iran denied this.
This release seems to follow negotiations, possibly linked to another student who was let go by France earlier.
Two French nationals, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, have been released from Evin jail in Iran.
They had been detained for over three years and were convicted of spying, charges France calls unfounded.
French President Macron announced their release, stating they were en route to the French Embassy.
Iran's Foreign Minister stated they were freed due to 'Islamic clemency' but remain in Iran under supervision.
The release is seen as a step after years of negotiations and possibly linked to the conditional release of an Iranian student by France.
- Who
- Two French nationals, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris
- What
- Released from Evin jail after over three years of detention.
- When
- Announced on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
- Where
- Iran (Evin jail, French Embassy in Tehran)
- Why
- Announced as a result of dialogue and possibly a prisoner swap involving an Iranian student.
French President Macron's Statement
Iranian Foreign Minister's Statement
Reason for Release
French President Macron's Statement
The release is described as a first step, and dialogue continues for their quick return to France.
Iranian Foreign Minister's Statement
The release was due to 'Islamic clemency,' and they remain in Iran under supervision.
Current Location/Status
French President Macron's Statement
They are out of Evin jail and en route to the French Embassy in Tehran, and safe ahead of their final release.
Iranian Foreign Minister's Statement
They have been released on bail and are still in Iran under supervision until the next judicial stage.
- Detainees
- Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris
- Detention Duration
- More than three years
- Location of Detention
- Evin jail, Iran
- Charges
- Espionage (France states charges are unfounded)
- Reported Exchange
- Iranian student Mahdieh Esfandiari, conditionally freed in October
