The Family of Louis Arnaud Concerned About Europe's Silence Regarding This French Prisoner in Iran

More than 365 days have passed since the imprisonment of Louis Arnaud, a French citizen, in Evin prison in Tehran, and his parents are deeply worried about their son's situation. They criticize the silence of the European Union regarding their child, stating that "Europe is not fully supporting them." According to Euro News, Louis Arnaud was arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Tehran in September 2022 while traveling around the world with a backpack. Sylvie and Jean Michel Arnaud, Louis's parents, recall the bitter moment when the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs contacted them to inform them of their son's arrest. Jean Michel Arnaud says, "We knew this was not another country; this is Iran." How it happened According to Louis Arnaud's parents, they were unaware of their child's situation for a while but were not worried as he had previously mentioned passing through areas where his mobile phone had no signal. Sylvie, Louis's mother, states that he assured them he was avoiding protests in Iran. Two weeks after hearing about his arrest, Louis contacted his parents and informed them of his well-being. During the first six months of his imprisonment, due to being placed in the high-security section of Evin prison, he only contacted his family a few times. However, after this period, the situation changed, and more calls were made. Gathering in Paris to protest the detention of Louis Arnaud, a French citizen in Iran. The charges are incorrect. Louis Arnaud, along with several other tourists, was arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Islamic Republic later released other detainees, including Iranians, Poles, and Italians. Louis Arnaud is accused of "participating in demonstrations that threaten national security and engaging in propaganda against the regime." However, Jean Michel, Louis's father, emphasizes that "none of these charges are true." Louis Arnaud had passed through Italy, Greece, Turkey, Georgia, and Armenia before entering Iran. Sylvie, Louis's mother, says, "He traveled to discover other cultures and was an eager traveler. This was Louis's second attempt to travel around the world; his first trip was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic." Gathering in Paris to protest the detention of Louis Arnaud, a French citizen in Iran. Insufficient European response The Arnaud family feels that Europe is not fully supporting them. They have contacted several members of the European Parliament, as well as the families of other Europeans detained in Iran. According to Sylvie, they also reached out to Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, but received no response. Currently, about 12 Europeans, some of whom hold dual nationality, are imprisoned in Iran. In September, Josep Borrell confirmed that a Swedish citizen who has been imprisoned for over 500 days was actually a European Union diplomat. European citizens have always been used as bargaining chips by the Islamic Republic. Cecile Kohler, Jacques Paris, and another individual whose identity has not been disclosed are other French citizens imprisoned in Iran. The exchange of prisoners between Iran and the US; the plane carrying five released Americans left Tehran. A look at the American citizens released from Iran. A long list of dual nationals; Amir-Abdollahian's claim: We do not consider them a threat. Josep Borrell confirmed; "The detained Swedish citizen" in Iran has a history of working for the European Union. The child of Shahab Dalili: The US says the Islamic Republic is not negotiating about the release of his father.