French Nationals Face Death Penalty in Iran
Accused of Spying for Israel After Three Years of Detention
**Cécile Kohler** and **Jacques Paris**, French citizens held in Iran for over three years, have been formally charged with espionage on behalf of Israel, alongside conspiracy to overthrow the regime, and “corruption on earth.” These charges could carry the death penalty.
Key Accusations
According to sources close to the detainees, the charges include spying for Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency. The sister of **Cécile Kohler** stated that a judge confirmed these charges on Wednesday, July 2.
According to a report by Amnesty International, Iran has been on a concerning execution spree this year, executing at least 209 people between January and May (Amnesty International, 2023).
Consular Access and Conditions of Detention
Foreign Minister **Jean-Noël Barrot** reported that **Kohler** and **Paris** received a consular visit on Tuesday from France’s business manager in Iran. The minister has denounced their three-year detention as “hostage-taking in unworthy conditions assimilable to torture,”
speaking before the National Assembly.
Evin Prison Bombardment
**Cécile Kohler** and **Jacques Paris** were recently held in Evin prison, which was struck by Israeli forces on June 23. While Tehran reported at least 79 deaths from the attack and the relocation of some prisoners, French authorities claimed they had “insurance”
that the two French citizens were unharmed.
**Noémie Kohler**, **Cécile’s** sister, whose last contact with her was May 28, cautioned that information from Iranian authorities “is far from being a guarantee.”
Family’s Plea for Information
Following the Israeli bombardment, families and lawyers for **Cécile Kohler** and **Jacques Paris** demanded immediate proof of life. “We do not know everything about the fate of Cécile and Jacques, we do not know if they are still alive, we do not know where they are,”
alerted **Noémie Kohler**.
**Cécile Kohler**, a 40-year-old professor, and **Jacques Paris**, 72, were arrested on May 7, 2022, at the end of a tourist trip to Iran.
