French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday the release of Olivier Grondeau, a French citizen who had been detained in Iran since October 2022 on security-related charges. Grondeau’s release coincides with Nowruz, the Persian New Year, a time when Iran has historically pardoned prisoners.
Grondeau, 34, had been sentenced to five years in prison for "conspiracy against the Islamic Republic," a charge his family has denied. His mother, Thérèse Grondeau, described him as a passionate admirer of Persian poetry who was visiting Iran on a tourist visa as part of a global journey.
Detainees’ Ordeal Highlights Diplomatic Tensions
In an audio message broadcast on French radio station France Inter earlier on Monday, Grondeau revealed his identity for the first time and expressed his exhaustion over the prolonged detention. He also highlighted the deteriorating condition of two other French nationals still held in Iran: Cécile Kohler, a teacher, and her partner, Jacques Paris. The couple was arrested in May 2022 and accused of attempting to incite labor protests—allegations their families have firmly rejected.
“Cécile’s strength, Jacques’ strength, Olivier’s strength—it is all running out,” Grondeau said in the message, addressing French authorities. “Your responsibility is called upon to ensure the survival of three human beings.”
The French Foreign Ministry has repeatedly condemned the detentions, labeling the trio as “state hostages” and criticizing their “intolerable” conditions, which it claims amount to torture under international law. Last week, France summoned Iran’s ambassador to protest the ongoing detentions.
Diplomatic Efforts Yield Mixed Results
Grondeau’s release follows the recent freeing of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who was detained in Iran since December and returned to Rome earlier this month. Sala’s swift release, attributed to intensive diplomatic efforts by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, has drawn comparisons to the prolonged detention of the French nationals.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Macron confirmed Grondeau’s release, stating, “Olivier is free and with his loved ones.” He added, “Our mobilization will not weaken” to secure the release of Kohler and Paris.
Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, shared a photo of Grondeau smiling aboard what appeared to be a private jet. Barrot reiterated France’s commitment to securing the freedom of its remaining citizens, writing, “We will tirelessly continue our efforts to ensure that all our compatriots still held hostage, including Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, are in turn released.”
Macron concluded his message with a note of solidarity, stating, “Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris must be freed from Iranian jails. All my thoughts are with them and their families on this day.”
The release of Grondeau marks a significant development in the ongoing diplomatic efforts between France and Iran, though tensions remain high as Paris continues to push for the freedom of its detained citizens.