Iranian National Detained in France on Terrorism Support Charges

Mahdieh Esfandiari faces prosecution for alleged online 'apologie du terrorisme' as Iran presses for consular access and case transparency.

Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian translator residing in Lyon, was arrested on February 28, 2025, and has been detained since March 2 at Fresnes prison near Paris.
French authorities have charged Esfandiari with 'apologie du terrorisme,' citing alleged online posts supporting extremist causes, though no such posts have been found on her public social media accounts.
Iranian officials have requested consular access and clarification of the charges, emphasizing concerns over human rights and legal transparency.
The case is viewed as politically sensitive, drawing comparisons to prior detentions of Iranian nationals in France, such as Bashir Biazar in 2024.
France’s extended anti-terrorism laws, implemented after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, are central to the prosecution, targeting online expressions perceived as supporting terrorism.