WANA (Apr 15) – Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian student and activist residing in France who was detained by French authorities for her support of the Palestinian resistance in Gaza, has returned to Iran following her release.

 

Upon her arrival in the country, Esfandiari addressed the media, praising the resilience of the Iranian people. In her opening remarks, she offered her “congratulations and condolences” to the nation and the free people of the world on the “martyrdom of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution.”

 

Critique of French Justice: “The Illusion of Free Speech”

Responding to questions regarding Western democratic values, Esfandiari challenged the notion of liberty in Europe. “I think it is clear to everyone now that, at least in the France I experienced, freedom of expression does not exist,” she stated.

 

She described her legal proceedings as “highly unjust,” claiming she was used as political leverage. “They placed restrictions on me and essentially held me hostage until two of their own spies returned to France. The day those individuals arrived, my restrictions were lifted, allowing me to prepare for my journey home.”

 

Legal Background and Conviction

According to official reports, the Paris Criminal Court issued its verdict against the Iranian citizen on February 26, 2026. Esfandiari was convicted on several charges, including:

 

  • “Public justification of a terrorist act” related to the events of October 7.
  • “Direct online provocation to commit a terrorist act.”
  • “Public insult based on origin, ethnicity, nationality, race, or religion.”
  • “Participation in a criminal association.”

 

The court sentenced her to one year of mandatory imprisonment (enforceable sentence) and issued a permanent ban on her entry or residence in French territory.

 

Prosecution vs. Final Verdict

Prior to the ruling, the French prosecutor’s office had sought a harsher four-year sentence (comprising three years suspended and one year mandatory). However, the prosecutor noted that since Esfandiari had already spent approximately eight months in pre-trial detention, there was no immediate executive need for her re-arrest.

 

Ultimately, the court upheld a portion of the indictment, finalizing the one-year prison term and her permanent expulsion from France.