Overview
- President Emmanuel Macron announced the pair had exited Evin prison and were headed to French diplomatic protection in Tehran.
- Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said they arrived safely at the French residence and are awaiting definitive release as talks continue to expedite their return.
- Cécile Kohler, 41, and Jacques Paris, 72, were arrested on May 7, 2022, and had been the last two French citizens imprisoned in Iran.
- In mid-October they received sentences of 20 and 17 years on espionage charges they reject, while France has consistently contested the case.
- The Italian daily Il Messaggero reports Iran has sought a prisoner swap that would include Mahdieh Esfandiari, detained in France since February on a terrorism-related charge.