‘Immense Relief’ for Families After French Couple Freed from Iran Prison
French citizens Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris have been released from detention in Iran after more than three years, President Emmanuel Macron announced late Tuesday. The couple had been accused by Tehran of espionage and are now under French protection in the Iranian capital.
Macron stated that both were en route to the French embassy in Tehran, describing their release as “a first step.” He added that discussions were ongoing to secure their swift return to France.
“They are on their way to the French embassy in Tehran,” Macron said on X, calling the release “a first step.”
Confirmation from French Authorities
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that Kohler and Paris were safe at the Residence of France in Tehran and awaiting “their definitive release.” He added that both appeared to be in good health.
Background
Kohler, 41, a high school teacher, and Paris, 72, a retired mathematics teacher, were arrested on May 7, 2022, during a trip to Iran as tourists. Their Paris-based lawyers stated to AFP that the release ended “their arbitrary detention which lasted 1,277 days.”
Families React with Relief
For the couple’s families, the news brought immense relief after years of uncertainty and fear.
“From the moment I heard the news, the tears finally came,” said Kohler’s mother, Mireille, speaking to RTL.
Author’s Summary
After more than three years of detention in Iran, French educators Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris have been freed, marking a long-awaited moment of relief for their families and France.