Story perspectives

Iran Sentences French Citizens Amid Espionage Allegations

10/15/2025

44 7

Summary

Story summary

An Iranian court sentenced French citizens Cecile Kohler to 31 years and Jacques Paris to 27 years in prison for espionage.
The sentences followed a week of reported progress in negotiations for their release.
France condemned the detention as arbitrary and likened the conditions to torture.
Iran claims it is holding Iranian student Mahdieh Esfandiari arbitrarily.
Rights groups say Iran uses foreign detainees as leverage in negotiations, despite Tehran's denial.

1 of 1

Story summary

An Iranian court sentenced French citizens Cecile Kohler to 31 years and Jacques Paris to 27 years in prison for espionage.
The sentences followed a week of reported progress in negotiations for their release.
France condemned the detention as arbitrary and likened the conditions to torture.
Iran claims it is holding Iranian student Mahdieh Esfandiari arbitrarily.
Rights groups say Iran uses foreign detainees as leverage in negotiations, despite Tehran's denial.