Latest actions by Iran’s foreign ministry to secure the release of Iranian citizen imprisoned in France

Vahid Jalal Zadeh, Deputy Minister for Consular, Parliamentary, and Iranian Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained the latest efforts regarding the detention of Mahdieh Esfandiari in France during a press briefing on Wednesday, July 15.

Jalal Zadeh stated that from the day following Esfandiari’s arrest, the Foreign Ministry, fulfilling its duty, immediately began pursuing the matter. “During this period of her detention — or more accurately, her hostage-taking by the French — we have tried all available consular, legal, and diplomatic channels,” he said.

He added, “The lawyer we appointed has introduced certain locations to the court as potential guarantees so that we can secure conditional release for Ms. Esfandiari until her trial. We hope the judge will accept the lawyer’s proposal.”

Jalal Zadeh clarified, “Of course, we are also trying other avenues. Our goal is to secure Ms. Esfandiari’s unconditional release, as she has been arrested and held hostage merely for defending the oppressed people of Palestine.”

The Deputy Minister stressed: “The very arrest of Ms. Esfandiari, along with the manner of her detention and the legal and consular treatment she has received, reflects the West’s double standards. Throughout her detention, the French authorities have not provided us with any documents showing any wrongdoing or violation of even French laws.”

He further explained: “Ms. Esfandiari’s so-called crime was her membership in a channel where she expressed support for the people of Palestine, protested the human rights violations committed by the Zionist regime, and posted related messages.”

Jalal Zadeh concluded: “We do not recognize her detention as lawful and have referred to it as hostage-taking.”