Iran Frees French Citizen After Two-Year Detention

After spending over two years in Iranian custody, French citizen Olivier Grondeau has been released, a decision hailed by the French government as a significant diplomatic victory. His detention on charges of espionage had previously drawn international outrage, particularly from President Emmanuel Macron, who labeled it “disgraceful and arbitrary.”

On Thursday, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed Grondeau's release, describing it as a “huge relief.” He mentioned it was the outcome of extensive diplomatic efforts, although the exact details remain undisclosed. Grondeau had been arrested in October 2022 while visiting Iran as a tourist, later being sentenced to five years in prison based on disputed spying allegations.

Concerns had escalated regarding Grondeau's mental health during his time in detention, as an advocacy group indicated that the conditions were critically deteriorating for him. In a recording from his prison cell, he expressed how he and others were caught in Iran's political maneuvers. Footage aired by TF1 featured Grondeau arriving at Le Bourget airport on Monday, welcomed by Foreign Minister Barrot, as the French public rejoiced over his return.

Macron expressed his shared joy with Grondeau's family via social media. Meanwhile, two more French citizens, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, remain imprisoned in Iran under similar charges, prompting Barrot's commitment to do everything possible to secure their release.