Iran Frees French National Jailed Over Mahsa Amini Protest

Photo : AFP

Louis Arnaud, a French national, has returned to France after being released from detention in Iran, where he was held for over 20 months for his alleged involvement in nationwide protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini. Amini died after being arrested for not wearing a hijab as required by Iranian security forces, sparking widespread demonstrations.

Upon his arrival, Arnaud reunited with his family and met with French Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Séjourné. His release was celebrated by French President Emmanuel Macron, who announced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), "Louis Arnaud is free." Macron expressed gratitude to Oman for its role as an intermediary between Western nations and Iran in facilitating Arnaud's release.

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Arnaud, a 30-year-old consultant, was detained in September 2022 along with other Europeans. He was accused of participating in protests following Amini's death, according to reports from the Associated Press.

Despite Arnaud's release, Macron voiced concern for three other French citizens who remain imprisoned in Iran. Among them are Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who were detained in May 2022 while on vacation in Iran. Kohler, identified as a teachers' union official, and Paris, her partner, were accused of participating in anti-government demonstrations alongside Iranian teachers.

The third detained French citizen, known only by the first name Olivier, also remains in custody in Iran, as reported by the Associated Press.

"I call on Iran to release them without delay," Macron emphasized on platform X, urging for their swift return to France.

Foreign Minister Séjourné echoed Macron's sentiments, stating on Thursday that France's diplomatic efforts are ongoing to secure the release of Kohler, Paris, and Olivier. He characterized Arnaud's release as a significant diplomatic achievement for France and expressed optimism for securing the freedom of the remaining detainees.

"We're still working for them to be freed," Séjourné affirmed, highlighting ongoing diplomatic mobilization towards achieving what he hopes will be another victory for France in the near future.

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