France has secured the release of two more of its citizens held in Iran, following the release of a French man who was imprisoned for over 880 days on charges of spying. Olivier Grondeau, who was arrested in October 2022 and sentenced to five years in prison, returned to France earlier this week.
The French government has not disclosed details of the negotiations leading to his release, but it came on Nowruz, a Persian New Year celebration when Iran typically releases prisoners. Another French national, Cécile Kohler, was also released from house arrest, although her identity remains unknown.
French diplomats are now working with Tehran to secure the release of Kohler and Jacques Paris, who were arrested at Tehran airport in May 2022 on charges of spying. The two were being held in Iran’s notorious Evin prison, which is often used as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Western countries.
The French government has reaffirmed its commitment to securing the release of all French citizens still being held hostage in Iran, including Kohler and Paris. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot stated that France will “tirelessly continue our efforts” to secure their release.
Grondeau’s family expressed relief and joy at his release, but also acknowledged that they were concerned about the well-being of other French citizens still being held in Iran. The situation highlights tensions between France and Iran, which have recently escalated due to disagreements over the Iranian nuclear program and support for Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/20/iran-releases-french-citizen-imprisoned-for-over-880-days-olivier-grondeau