Human Rights Activists File Complaint Against Bashir Bi-Azar, Former Head of IRIB Detained in France

A group of human rights activists has filed a complaint against Bashir Bi-Azar, the former head of the Music Office of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), who is currently detained in France, on charges of "torture." This complaint, submitted by the human rights group "Justice for Iran" and several victims of human rights violations, could lead to Bashir Bi-Azar's trial in France. He has been accused of involvement in torture due to his previous collaboration with IRIB. Over the decades, Iranian authorities have frequently pressured detainees and foreign citizens by broadcasting their interviews on IRIB, an act criticized by opponents as "forced confession." Shirin Ardakani, an Iranian-French lawyer and head of "Justice for Iran," has indicated the possibility of Bashir Bi-Azar's personal involvement in recording such forced interviews. Part of this complaint accuses Bashir Bi-Azar of conducting missions on behalf of the Islamic Republic in France to gather information about Iranian journalists and activists with the aim of intimidating them. Shirin Ardakani stated that the purpose of filing this complaint is to "conduct investigations and interrogations to uncover the truth" before Bashir Bi-Azar is returned to Iran. The French newspaper "Le Monde" reported that the French Ministry of Interior has classified Bashir Bi-Azar as an "agent linked to intelligence services" of the Islamic Republic, and consequently issued a deportation order against him. Bashir Bi-Azar was arrested in Dijon, eastern France, and has been under administrative detention since June 4, facing deportation from the country. According to AFP, his lawyer described the detention and potential deportation of this Iranian government official as "political," while Iranian officials condemned France's actions and called for his release. Iranian state media referred to Bashir Bi-Azar as a "cultural figure." Currently, three French citizens, whom Paris refers to as "state hostages" of the Islamic Republic, are imprisoned in Iran, including Cecile Couler and Jacques Pari, trade union activists who were arrested two years ago. This report was prepared using information from AFP. A French citizen entered Paris after being released from prison in Iran. Macron confirmed the release of a French citizen from the Islamic Republic's prison; three other French citizens remain imprisoned. Families of the French citizens imprisoned in Iran have sought help from the United Nations. France has accused the Iranian government of employing state hostage-taking and extortion policies.