Iran releases French tourist jailed on espionage charges after 887 days
French citizen Olivier Grondeau was released from 887 days in detention in Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday in a post on X.
French citizen Olivier Grondeau was released from 887 days in detention in Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday in a post on X.
“Our mobilization will not weaken: Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris must be freed from Iranian jails,” Macron said, referring to other citizens still left behind.
Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris were arrested in May 2022 while traveling in Iran as tourists, accused of espionage.
Grondeau’s release comes after months of pressure from Paris, which had been demanding the release of its citizens.
In January, Grondeau publicly revealed his identity for the first time in a recorded phone call from prison, aired by France Inter. He described his detention as arbitrary and unbearable.
The 34-year-old tourist, who was arrested on October 12, 2022, in Shiraz during a world tour, said he was a victim of political blackmail as France and Iran negotiated his case.
He was later sentenced to five years in prison for “espionage and conspiracy against the Islamic Republic” and was held in Evin Prison, in a section designated for foreign and dual-national detainees. Exact numbers of such prisoners rights groups brand 'diplomatic hostages', remain undisclosed.
During his phone call, Grondeau pleaded with French authorities to secure his release and expressed hope that his request for parole would be granted.
The French Foreign Ministry, which had already summoned Iran’s ambassador on January 10, denounced the detention conditions of Grondeau, Kohler, and Paris.
“Their situation is intolerable, with inhumane detention conditions that, in some cases, constitute torture under international law,” the ministry stated.
Grondeau shared a cell with 18 other detainees and had limited access to a library and books sent by the French embassy. He also highlighted the harsher conditions faced by Kohler and Paris in his message.
“You, who have the power to influence this matter, hear this truth,” Grondeau said, addressing French authorities.
“Cécile’s strength, Jacques’ strength, Olivier’s strength—it is all running out.”
“Your responsibility is called upon to ensure the survival of three human beings.”
The IRGC has arrested dozens of dual nationals and foreign citizens in recent years, mostly on espionage and security charges.
Most recently, an Italian journalist was released following an arrest that was widely seen as leverage to pressure Italy into freeing an Iranian imprisoned on terrorism charges.
