French couple face death penalty in Iran on spying and conspiracy charges

Two French nationals detained in Iran for more than three years have been formally charged with spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. Cécile Kohler and her partner, Jacques Paris, also face accusations of conspiracy to overthrow the regime and the sweeping charge of “corruption on earth” — an offense that, like the others, can carry the death penalty.

Kohler, a 40-year-old literature teacher, and Paris, her 72-year-old partner, were arrested on 7 May 2022 at the end of a tourist trip to Iran. For a long time, their legal status remained unclear, leaving their families in distress and without answers.

Recently, however, diplomatic sources and a consular visit confirmed that Iranian authorities have formally charged the pair. “We have been informed of these charges,” a French diplomatic source told AFP, calling them “completely unfounded.” No trial date or sentence has been announced, and Tehran has not publicly confirmed the charges.

The couple has been denied access to independent legal representation, deepening the anguish of their loved ones in France. A support group, “Free Cécile,” posted on X: “Cécile & Jacques are innocent. These accusations are absurd. They are teachers, a daughter, a sister, a father, friends, colleagues. Simple, generous people, whom we love and miss. They do not deserve what they have been enduring for over 3 years.”

Cécile’s sister, Noémie Kohler, spoke after a rare visit by the French chargé d’affaires in Tehran. “They still don’t have lawyers they can trust,” she said. “All we know is they saw a judge who listed these charges.” The couple’s situation has worsened following recent violence.

On 23 June, Evin Prison — where Kohler and Paris had been held — was bombed in a strike that Iranian authorities blame on Israel. The attack reportedly killed 79 people. Although Kohler and Paris were unharmed, they were deeply shaken and subsequently moved to unknown locations. “Cécile hasn’t slept since the bombing,” her sister said. “She’s terrified it will happen again.” After a brief stay at Qarchak prison, Kohler was blindfolded and relocated once more. Her current whereabouts are unknown — even to her.

Meanwhile, Jacques Paris is said to be sleeping on the floor of a bare cell. He does not have proper glasses for his deteriorating eyesight, and his physical and mental health is becoming an increasing concern for his family.

The French government continues to press for their release, reiterating that the couple’s safety is a top priority. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that a French diplomat was allowed to visit the pair — under tight surveillance — for 35 minutes at a facility south of Tehran. For the first time in months, the couple were able to see each other during that visit.

French and European officials increasingly believe Kohler and Paris are being used as political pawns in Iran’s so-called “hostage diplomacy” — a strategy meant to extract concessions amid stalled nuclear negotiations and pressure for the lifting of economic sanctions.

Source: RFI, Agence France-Presse, July 3, 2025

"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted."

— Oscar Wilde