Families of French Citizens Imprisoned in Iran Seek Help from the United Nations

Supporters of three French citizens imprisoned in Iran on Monday sought to pressure the Islamic Republic and raise awareness about their dire situation by approaching the United Nations in Geneva. The families of Cecile Kohler, Jacques Paris, and Louis Arnaud visited the UN office on June 8, aiming to draw international attention to the conditions of their loved ones who have been taken hostage in Iran and expedite their release. Noemi Kohler, sister of Cecile Kohler, who along with her partner Jacques Paris has been detained for over two years, expressed hope to attract international attention to their plight. Speaking outside the UN headquarters, Kohler told AFP, "This is a completely emergency situation; their health is deteriorating, and it is time for this nightmare to end." Sylvie Arnaud, mother of Louis Arnaud, also stated that the three are being held arbitrarily and should be released as soon as possible. Louis Arnaud, a consultant, was arrested by the Islamic Republic in Iran over a year and a half ago and was accused of "propaganda and endangering national security," receiving a five-year prison sentence deemed "unacceptable" by French officials. Cecile Kohler, a literature teacher, was detained over two years ago while traveling in Iran with her partner Jacques Paris on charges of "espionage." Western experts claim that the Islamic Republic detains foreign citizens, especially dual nationals, to use them as leverage against other countries. They have warned foreign citizens against traveling to Iran due to the risk of arbitrary detention on fabricated charges. The U.S. State Department condemned the Islamic Republic's "ruthless and ongoing" use of hostage-taking. A Spanish citizen who was imprisoned for 15 months after visiting the "grave of Mahsa" has returned to Spain. The committee for Cecile Kohler's freedom noted that 600 days have passed since her detention in Iran. The German Foreign Ministry condemned the return of Nahid Taghavi to prison and summoned the Islamic Republic's ambassador.