Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, two French nationals detained in Iran since May 2022, were released from Evin prison and are heading to the French embassy in Tehran for consular assistance.

The release comes amid ongoing French-Iranian diplomacy and is framed within a broader dossier on Iran provided by the source.

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A support committee for Kohler and Paris expressed immense joy and gratitude for the efforts leading to their release.

Historian Marie-Brigitte Huet described Kohler and Paris’ long-standing personal connection and noted the support committee includes teachers, staff, and former students.

The support committee monitored geopolitical developments and stayed in contact with the detainees’ families, including during events like the prison bombardments.

The release is described as an initial step toward final repatriation, with a doctor dispatched to assist during this transition.

Political figures across the spectrum voiced relief and solidarity with the families, stressing that no country should abandon its citizens to arbitrary detention.

Prominent leaders, including Marine Le Pen, Valérie Pécresse, Yaël Braun-Pivet, Olivier Faure, Marine Tondelier, and François Hollande, emphasized sustained diplomacy and not abandoning compatriots.

The announcement follows prior long detention and mid-October sentences of 20 and 17 years for Kohler and Paris, with earlier public support such as portraits at the Palais Bourbon.

Human rights groups have long criticized Iran's use of hostage diplomacy—detaining Western citizens to pressure their governments—an accusation Tehran denies, citing espionage grounds instead.

President Macron announced the release on X (formerly Twitter), noting the pair are now en route to consular assistance and diplomatic channels.