Paris, April 7, 2026 – French citizens Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris are “free and on their way to French territory, after three and a half years of detention in Iran,” announced President Emmanuel Macron this Tuesday. The good news was immediately relayed in the National Assembly.
President Macron Confirms Release
The announcement was made by Emmanuel Macron on X (formerly Twitter) shortly before 3:30 PM on Tuesday, April 7. The head of state confirmed that Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, held in Iran for three and a half years, were now “free.” He added that they are “on their way to French territory,” describing it as “a relief for all of us and for their families.”
According to sources close to the French foreign minister, the two former detainees left Iran “at dawn” with the French ambassador to Iran and under diplomatic convoy. They are currently reported to be in Azerbaijan.
Announcement in the National Assembly
At the National Assembly, President Yaël Braun-Pivet interrupted the government question session to share the news with deputies. “Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris are on a plane to Paris,” she declared, to applause. On behalf of the national representation, she extended “immense thanks to the services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to you, Mr. Minister [Jean-Noël Barrot],” who was present in the chamber.
Following the announcement, several deputies, including Thierry Benoit (Horizons), expressed their gratitude to “the minister, as well as French diplomacy, and all those who, directly or indirectly, enabled our two compatriots to return to French soil today.” Deputy Damien Maudet (La France insoumise) also “thanked French diplomacy for its action.”
Jean-Noël Barrot reacted on X, stating they are “definitively FREE!” He added, “On the phone a few moments ago, they expressed their emotion and joy at soon returning to their country and their loved ones.”
Three and a Half Years of Detention
Cécile Kohler, a 41-year-old literature teacher, and Jacques Paris, a 72-year-old retired teacher, were arrested on May 7, 2022, on the last day of a tourist trip to Iran. Accused of espionage by the Tehran regime, they were condemned in October 2025 to 20 and 17 years in prison, respectively. They were then released on November 4, but with a ban on leaving the Islamic Republic of Iran. Since then, they had been under house arrest at the French embassy.
Their release marks the end of a long and challenging period for the two French citizens and their families. The French government had been actively working for their release, engaging in diplomatic efforts to secure their return. The details surrounding the negotiations and the conditions of their release have not been fully disclosed.
Diplomatic Efforts Praised
The successful outcome has been widely praised across the political spectrum in France, with many acknowledging the persistent efforts of French diplomatic services. The case of Kohler and Paris had drawn significant attention, highlighting the complexities of international relations and the challenges faced by foreign citizens detained abroad.
The return of Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris is expected to be met with immense relief and joy by their families and the broader French public. Further details about their journey and their arrival in France are anticipated in the coming hours.
Source: https://lcp.fr/actualites/iran-les-ex-otages-cecile-kohler-et-jacques-paris-liberes-et-en-route-vers-la-france
