Two French citizens arrived back in Paris Wednesday morning after being released from more than three years of detention in Iran, with President Emmanuel Macron greeting them at the presidential palace and describing their freedom as “the end of a terrible ordeal.”
Cecile Kohler, 41, and Jacques Paris, 72, had been staying at France’s embassy in Tehran since November following their imprisonment since 2022 at Iran’s infamous Evin prison. Iranian authorities had charged them with espionage, allegations that French officials consistently rejected as baseless.
Their unexpected departure from Iran occurred Tuesday as France has been working to maintain distance from Middle Eastern conflicts. The duo touched down in the French capital Wednesday morning.
Following their reunion in the Elysee palace gardens, Macron posted on social media: “We are delighted to welcome back Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris to France after three and a half years of hardship in Iran. It is a huge relief for all of us.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have imprisoned numerous foreign and dual citizens in recent years, typically on charges related to espionage. Human rights organizations and Western nations claim Tehran uses foreign prisoners as leverage in negotiations, an accusation Iran rejects.
Speaking to French defense and security personnel earlier Wednesday, Macron expressed gratitude to Omani officials for their assistance in facilitating the release.
During a brief media appearance after their presidential meeting, both individuals appeared weary but optimistic as they shared details of their imprisonment.
“We were under constant threat. We had no right to read, no right to write. As soon as we left our cell, we were blindfolded,” Paris told reporters. “Obviously, one of the objectives was undoubtedly to break us. For us, it is a new beginning. We are not broken. We will speak up and we will enjoy life.”
