PARIS, France: Louis Arnaud, a French man, was detained in Iran in September 2022 and later found guilty of charges related to national security, dilemma ended Thursday when he returned to Paris.
As Arnaud emerged from a small plane at Le Bourget airport, he appeared visibly tired but relieved, exchanging greetings with Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne before embracing his parents.
Sejourne expressed gratitude for Arnaud’s release and reaffirmed the French government’s commitment to securing the freedom of three other citizens still held in Iranian jails: Jacques Paris, Cecile Koller, and Olivier, whose full name was not disclosed.
Arnaud’s journey to Iran was part of a round-the-world trip that he embarked on in July 2022, driven by his long-standing fascination with the country’s history and culture. However, his plans took a dire turn when he was arrested in September of that year in connection with demonstrations sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian Kurd. Despite his companions being released shortly after their arrest, Arnaud remained incarcerated until his sentencing in November 2022.
The release of Arnaud follows the liberation of other French detainees, Benjamin Briere and Bernard Phelan, in May 2023, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Western citizens held in Iran. Tehran’s detention of these individuals has drawn condemnation from rights groups, who allege that Iran is using them as bargaining chips in international negotiations. As Arnaud reunites with his loved ones, his return underscores the challenges faced by those detained abroad and the tireless efforts required for their release.
