Iran: Relatives of four Frenchmen detained there worried about tensions with Israel

Relatives of French men detained in Iran expressed concern on Wednesday about the “threat of open conflict between Iran and Israel” and called on the state to step up its diplomatic efforts with Tehran to secure their release.

Currently, four citizens, including Jacques Paris, Cécile Kohler and Louis Arnault, have been detained in Iran since 2022 and are considered “state hostages” by the French government due to arrests and sentences considered “arbitrary.” Another Frenchman named Olivier, whose identity has not been disclosed, was also detained.

“Each day that passes reveals more of them.”

“Their state of health, both physical and moral, is deteriorating,” the support committees Jacques Paris, Cécile Kohler and Louis Arnault emphasize in a press release. “Their environment is becoming increasingly alarming. Because today our loved ones, our fellow citizens, are faced with the threat of open conflict between Iran and Israel,” they add.

“Every day that passes exposes them to more and more of the consequences of growing international conflicts,” they say. “Even when we are witnessing the repatriation of French citizens from the states of Lebanon, Israel and Iran, how can we neglect the safety of our other compatriots? “- they lament.

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They recall that at the beginning of their detention, “their lives were already in danger due to a severe fire in Evin prison.” As a result of the fire, several people died and many were injured.

“We call on the French state to intensify its diplomatic efforts with Iran,” they write, adding that they cannot “be victims of political games.”