‘Inappropriate and baseless’: The French couple detained for more than 3 years on allegations of espionage in Iran; Foreign Minister demands immediate release

France has strongly criticized Iran for keeping two of its citizens, called “unjust and baseless” espionage charges. The pair, Cecil Kohler and Jacques Paris have been detained in Iran for more than three years.On Thursday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barot said that the Iranian government has never officially informed France about the allegations. However, reports suggest that the two have been accused of spying for Israel, some barrot denied. He asked for his “immediate, unconditional release”.Kohaler, 40 and Paris, 72, were arrested in May 2022. He was initially held in Tehran’s Evin Jail, a notorious prison known to detain dual citizens and foreigners, often used as a diplomatic leviation.A French diplomat was allowed to meet him earlier this week, after raising concerns about their goodness from their families. Their relatives were demanding evidence that they were still alive after the Israeli airstrike in jail.In an interview with BFM TV, Kohaler’s sister, Nomi, said that the couple was told that they were accused of spying, trying to overthrow the Iranian regime, and “corruption on earth.”“Our understanding … is that they face the death penalty,” he said. “We are actually extremely concerned about his psychological state and bomb blasts.”According to Nomi, the diplomat visited a prison south of Tehran, as Kohaler and Paris were transferred from Evin Jail after the attack. Their present place is unknown.