Two French nationals detained in Iran for more than three years have been charged with spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. Cécile Kohler and her partner Jacques Paris are also accused of conspiracy to overthrow the regime and the sweeping offence of “corruption on earth”. All three charges can carry the death penalty.
Kohler, a 40-year-old literature teacher, and Paris, her 72-year-old partner, were arrested on 7 May 2022 at the end of a tourist trip.
For years, their exact situation was unclear.
Their families have now been told – through diplomatic sources and a consular visit – that Iranian authorities have formally charged the pair.
“We have been informed of these charges,” a French diplomatic source said to AFP. The source called them “completely unfounded”.
No trial date or sentence has been announced. Tehran has not yet confirmed the charges in public.
The pair have been denied access to independent lawyers, adding to the distress of their families in France.
Posting on X on Thursday, the “Free Cécile” group wrote: “Cécile & Jacques are innocent. These accusations are absurd. They are teachers, a daughter, a sister, a father, friends, colleagues.
“Simple, generous people, whom we love and miss. They do not deserve what they have been enduring for over 3 years.”
French diplomat visits jailed couple in Iran after families demand proof of life
Israel strike on Tehran prison
Cécile’s sister, Noémie Kohler, spoke after a rare visit by the French chargé d’affaires in Tehran.
“They still don’t have lawyers they can trust,” she said. “All we know is they saw a judge who listed these charges.”
Their situation has become even more precarious after recent violence.
On 23 June, Evin Prison – where Kohler and Paris were held – was bombed in a strike Iran blames on Israel. Iranian officials said 79 people died.
Though unharmed, the couple were badly shaken and then moved to unknown locations.
“Cécile hasn’t slept since the bombing,” said her sister. “She’s terrified it will happen again.” After a short stay at Qarchak prison, she was blindfolded and moved again. Her current whereabouts are unknown, even to her.
Jacques Paris is said to be sleeping on the floor of a bare cell. He still does not have proper glasses for his failing eyesight.
His condition, both physical and mental, is a growing concern for his family.
Israeli strike on Tehran jail was 'irresponsible': French prisoner's sister
Couple's release 'top priority'
The French government has reiterated that securing the couple’s release remains a top priority.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot recently confirmed that a French diplomat was able to visit the pair – albeit under heavy surveillance – for 35 minutes in a facility south of Tehran.
For the first time in months, the couple were able to see each other during that visit.
French and European diplomats increasingly suspect the couple are being used as pawns in what many now call Iran’s “hostage diplomacy” – a tactic to gain leverage in stalled nuclear negotiations and pressure for the lifting of economic sanctions.
(with AFP)
