On Wednesday, French nationals Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris marked three years of detention in Iran, with no signs of imminent release and growing fears for their well-being.
Arrested on May 7, 2022, during the final day of a tourist trip, the couple is accused of espionage—charges they and their families vehemently deny.
Kohler, a 40-year-old literature teacher, and Paris, in his 70s, are being held in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison, in section 209, which is known for housing political prisoners. According to their relatives, the two endure harsh and isolating conditions: lights on 24/7, only brief outdoor access a few times per week, and rare, heavily monitored calls to family.
The French government views the pair as "state hostages," a term reflecting growing concern over what Paris sees as Iran's use of arbitrary detention to pressure Western nations. Their case is among several involving Europeans believed to be held as leverage amid rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
"It's very, very hard. We're tired. We never imagined it could last this long," said Noemie Kohler, Cécile's sister and leader of the campaign for their release. "Cécile and Jacques are increasingly desperate and less and less optimistic."
The two were coerced into making televised confessions and have received just four consular visits in three years. The French foreign ministry has described their treatment as “equivalent to torture under international law.”
President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France's commitment to securing their release, stating, “Our support is unwavering,” in a message shared on social media. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed this sentiment, labeling the couple as “hostages” and condemning their conditions as “inhumane.”
France has also pledged to file a complaint with the International Court of Justice over Iran’s actions, although legal proceedings are unlikely to yield swift results.
Their plight continues against a backdrop of strained French-Iranian relations. In recent weeks, France has warned its citizens against traveling to Iran and hinted at new sanctions. Meanwhile, legal actions in France against Iranian nationals accused of promoting terrorism have added further tension.
Despite international advocacy, the families of Kohler and Paris hold onto what little hope remains. "Our only lever is mobilisation," said Noemie. "We have to make noise and hope it’s heard in Iran." Photo by Apcbg, Wikimedia commons.