France must answer

Nearly three months have passed since the detention of Ms. Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian citizen, in France, yet the French government and its security authorities have provided minimal response to the Iranian and global public regarding this unlawful and unjustified detention.

Criminalizing any opposition to the brazen and inhumane actions of the Zionist regime is a clear violation of human rights by the French. More significantly, the French government, its judicial system, and even media outlets claiming to champion women’s rights show no hesitation in blatantly denying and violating the most fundamental rights of a defenseless woman in their country. This is the stark reality now laid bare before the eyes of the world’s nations—a reality that unveils the West’s instrumental and duplicitous approach to human rights and women’s rights.

The contradictory and discriminatory behavior of the French government regarding the principle of freedom of expression, particularly in relation to women, human rights activists, and supporters of the Palestinian people, reflects a bitter truth that manifests in various forms today. Ms. Esfandiari’s detention on the baseless charge of “glorifying terrorism” stems from her statements in support of the oppressed Palestinian people and her condemnation of the Zionist regime’s crimes—positions that align with humanitarian and human rights principles and cannot be considered criminal.

Since the onset of the Gaza war, any voice raised in support of the oppressed Palestinian people in a country that claims to be the cradle of free expression has been silenced and suppressed. Meanwhile, so-called international organizations advocating for human rights have turned a blind eye to the West’s complicity in the brutal slaughter of tens of thousands of innocent people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Far from being a supporter of women’s rights or human rights, the French government is one of the symbols of terrorism in today’s international system. For years, France has provided safe haven to well-known terrorist groups like the Monafeghin Terrorist Organization and even supported their propaganda and terrorist activities. This glaring contradiction not only undermines the intent, nature, and legitimacy of France’s claims regarding human rights but also highlights its selective and politically motivated approach to fundamental legal and human concepts.

From a legal and humanitarian perspective, the detention of a woman solely for her political and media statements is an example of political violence and pressure on women active in the public sphere, which must be addressed by international institutions and human rights defenders.

We strongly condemn this unlawful and discriminatory action, demand the immediate and unconditional release of Ms. Mahdieh Esfandiari, and call for the French government to be held accountable for its clear violation of women’s rights. In this regard, it is imperative that Iran’s diplomatic and foreign policy apparatus take more serious measures toward Paris.