French Citizens Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris Return Home After Three Years of Imprisonment in Iran

French citizens Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who were detained in Iran for three and a half years under accusations of espionage, are set to return home. This pivotal announcement was made by French President Emmanuel Macron on April 7, who expressed his relief regarding the release of the two compatriots.

“Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris are free and heading to France after three and a half years of imprisonment in Iran. This is a great relief for all of us and, of course, for their families,” Macron stated on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The president also noted that the release of Kohler and Paris was made possible through the mediation of Oman. He expressed gratitude to the Omani authorities, government officials, and all citizens who, according to him, tirelessly worked towards the return of the detained French nationals.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also confirmed this information, stating that he had spoken on the phone with the freed citizens, who shared their emotions and joy about their imminent return to their country and loved ones.

The French television channel BFMTV reported that the released individuals left Iran on the morning of April 7. They are currently in Azerbaijan, where they are likely taking further steps to return home.

The lawyer representing Kohler and Paris expressed concern regarding the conditions of their detention, stating that they were subjected to torture during their imprisonment in Iran. This revelation has sparked outrage not only among the families of the detainees but also among human rights advocates, who deem such actions unacceptable.

Cécile Kohler, a 41-year-old literature teacher, and 72-year-old retired teacher Jacques Paris were arrested in Iran in May 2022, on the last day of their tourist trip. They became victims of the political games that often unfold in the region, where international relations remain tense.

In October 2025, they were sentenced to 20 and 17 years in prison, respectively, on charges of espionage. However, in November of the same year, they were released but were prohibited from leaving Iranian territory, prompting a new wave of protests from their families and human rights advocates.

On March 16, President Macron urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to expedite the return of Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris to France, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of citizens abroad. This case has become yet another example of the complex international relations that impact the lives of ordinary people.

Now, as Kohler and Paris finally make their way home, their story serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting human rights and maintaining diplomatic ties, even in the most challenging circumstances.