Iran frees French national after over two years in prison |
French citizen Olivier Grondeau, who had been detained in Iran since October 2022 on security charges, has been released and returned to France, President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on Thursday.
Olivier Grondeau, 34, was arrested while visiting Iran on a tourist visa and had spent more than two years in Iranian custody, sparking concern over his well-being.
Macron announced the news on social media, stating that Grondeau is “free and with his loved ones.”
The French president also emphasised that France’s efforts to secure the release of other nationals still detained in Iran would continue, referring to the two other French citizens currently held in Iran: teacher Cecile Kohler and her partner Jacques Paris, who have been accused of stirring up labor protests—charges their families deny.
While the specifics of Grondeau’s release remain unclear, it coincided with Nowruz, the Persian New Year, when Iran has historically granted pardons.
The timing of the release has led to speculation that it may have been linked to diplomatic negotiations, although Macron did not provide any immediate details on the circumstances.
Grondeau had revealed his identity in January, prior to which he had only been known by his first name.
In an audio message broadcast by French media, he expressed the emotional and physical toll of his prolonged imprisonment. He and the other French detainees had reported feeling increasingly exhausted, with Grondeau describing his strength as “running out.”
The Frenchman was initially arrested in Shiraz, southern Iran, and sentenced to five years in prison for “conspiracy against the Islamic republic.”
However, Grondeau’s family rejected these charges, maintaining that he had simply traveled to Iran as part of a world tour to explore Persian poetry, a subject he was deeply passionate about.
The release of Grondeau is a relief to his family and supporters, but concerns remain about the health of the other two French nationals still detained in Iran.
Their families have warned of the severe psychological and physical toll their imprisonment is taking. Grondeau, who is recovering in France, was reportedly in poor health when he returned, having undergone a series of tests following his release.
Macron reiterated his commitment to the release of Kohler and Paris, calling for their freedom and highlighting the French government’s continued efforts to secure the return of all detained nationals.
France views these detentions as a form of state hostage-taking, with critics accusing Iran of using detained foreigners as bargaining chips in international diplomacy.
