Iranian authorities have released French citizen Olivier Grondeau, detained by the country since October 2022 on security charges, and he has returned to France, President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday.
Grondeau “is free and with his loved ones”, Macron wrote on X, adding that “our mobilisation will not weaken” to ensure the release of two other French citizens still detained by Iran in what Paris views as state hostage-taking.
Macron offered no immediate details of what led to Grondeau’s release, though it came on Nowruz, the Persian New Year when Iran has released prisoners in the past.
Grondeau revealed his identity in an audio message broadcast on a French radio station in January, saying he was becoming increasingly exhausted over his ordeal.
The Frenchman had previously only been identified by his first name and French authorities had not released details of his case.
Read moreFrenchman held in Iran since 2022 reveals identity in audio message
The other two French nationals currently held in Iran are teacher Cecile Kohler and her partner, Jacques Paris, who were detained in May 2022. They are accused of seeking to stir up labour protests, accusations their families have vehemently denied.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP)
Leave a Comment