Summary
A French couple, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, have left Iran after being detained for more than three years on charges of espionage. President Macron announced their departure, and they were escorted to Azerbaijan before returning to France. Their release followed negotiations between France and Iran, though the French government has not confirmed any exchange deal.
Key Facts
- Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris were arrested in Iran in May 2022 on spying charges.
- They were in Tehran's Evin prison and later under house arrest at the French embassy.
- President Macron confirmed their departure from Iran and thanked Oman for mediation.
- The couple left Iran with the French ambassador and traveled to Azerbaijan.
- An Iranian court had previously sentenced Kohler to 20 years and Paris to 17 years.
- Reports discussed a potential detainee exchange involving an Iranian woman, Mahdieh Esfandiari.
- Esfandiari's house arrest in France ended upon Kohler and Paris's departure from Iran.
- The release occurs amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, the US, and Israel.
