WANA (Oct 14) – The primary court verdict has been issued in the case of two French nationals, arrested in Iran on March 9, 2023, and has been officially communicated to their lawyers.

 

According to the court documents, both defendants hold French citizenship and are employed by the French intelligence service. During the preliminary investigation, the charges were formally presented to the defendants, who had full access to legal counsel and were able to communicate with their families. All notifications and proceedings were delivered to them in writing.

 

The case file was fully made available to the defendants’ appointed lawyers on two separate occasions during the trial process.

 

The charges, as outlined in the indictment, include:

  • Espionage in favor of the French intelligence service
  • Conspiracy against national security
  • Intelligence collaboration with the Israeli regime
  • Assisting in intelligence cooperation with the occupying Israeli regime

 

Following a 715-page indictment, seven court sessions were held, during which the defendants and their lawyers presented their defenses. All hearings included the presence of the prosecutor, defendants, legal counsel, and official court translators. The court reviewed the case, statements, expert testimonies, and final defenses before issuing the verdict.

 

Sentences:

First defendant:

  • 6 years in prison for espionage in favor of French intelligence
  • 5 years for conspiracy against national security
  • 20 years in exile for intelligence collaboration with the Israeli regime (convicted of moharebeh, “waging war against God”)

Second defendant:

  • 10 years for espionage in favor of French intelligence
  • 5 years for conspiracy against national security
  • 17 years for assisting in intelligence cooperation with the Israeli regime

 

Time already served will be deducted from the total sentence. The verdict can be appealed to the Supreme Court within 20 days of notification.

 

Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, two French citizens arrested in Iran on espionage charges, had entered the country as tourists, according to their families and French media reports.

 

The couple entered Iran on tourist visas, initially stayed in Tehran, then traveled to Kashan and Isfahan, and were detained at the airport while returning to Paris.

Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, two French citizens

Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, two French citizens. Social media/ WANA News Agency