WANA (Jun 01) – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular, Parliamentary, and Iranian Affairs has strongly condemned the arrest of Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian citizen and human rights advocate residing in France, calling the French judiciary’s actions a form of “hostage-taking” and a violation of human rights.

 

In a statement, Deputy Foreign Minister Vahid Jalalzadeh said: “We consider the arrest of Mahdieh Esfandiari by the French judiciary and security apparatus to be judicial hostage-taking. This is an inhumane act, and we are pursuing her release with full strength and determination.”

 

Esfandiari, who has been held for over 100 days in a detention facility in the suburbs of Paris—reportedly in the town of Fresnes, 25 kilometers from the capital—was arrested by French authorities more than three months ago. Jalalzadeh noted that the charges appear to stem from her “supportive activities related to the cause of the Palestinian people and the oppressed people of Gaza.”

 

The Iranian official emphasized that despite repeated diplomatic and legal efforts, no solid legal evidence has been presented against Esfandiari to date. “From the first day of her arrest, we lodged formal protests with the French Foreign Ministry, summoned the French ambassador and deputy ambassador in Tehran, and expressed our strong objection to this arbitrary detention,” he said.

Vahid Jalalzadeh, Deputy Minister for Consular, Parliamentary, and Iranian Affairs at Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met with a family member of Mahdieh Esfandiari. Social media/ WANA News Agency

According to Jalalzadeh, consular officials have met with Esfandiari several times in prison and assured her of the Islamic Republic’s full support. “We have provided her with a lawyer, who remains in close contact with both Esfandiari and her family. We are also maintaining constant communication with her family, and I personally met with them to address their concerns,” he added.

 

Iran’s ambassador in Paris has also visited Esfandiari in prison and relayed her requests to the authorities. Iranian officials continue to demand her conditional release pending trial. Jalalzadeh revealed that two residential properties in Lyon and Paris have been offered as guarantees for her temporary release, but the French court has so far rejected the proposal.

 

Responding to speculation about a possible court ruling against her, Jalalzadeh clarified: “No verdict has been issued yet. We are working tirelessly to ensure that the court ultimately rules in favor of her release.”

 

He criticized France for what he called a double standard: “The French, who pride themselves on being a cradle of democracy, have unfortunately taken this unlawful and politically motivated action.”

 

Iran’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that it views the detention of Mahdieh Esfandiari as a clear violation of human rights and a politically charged misuse of judicial procedures.