After Iranian television aired what looked to be a confession by two French nationals held in the country that they were engaged in espionage operations, France urged its citizens there to leave Iran as soon as possible.
Any Frenchman visiting Iran runs a significant danger of being arbitrarily detained and arrested, as well as of being given biassed verdicts, according to a report posted on the French Foreign Ministry’s website late on Friday. The ministry said that tourists are also included in this.
The ministry also stated that security and respect for fundamental rights are not ensured in the case of an arrest.
The French Foreign Ministry accused Iran of holding two French nationals who were detained in May as “state hostages” and portraying them in an improper manner on television yesterday, Thursday.
On that day, Iranian media aired what appeared to be a confession of their spying by the pair.
According to rumours, the two French nationals admitted to stirring up unrest in Iran and acting as spies for their country.
On Monday, Paris demanded the quick release of its residents.
Following the murder of Mahsa Amini, 22, who was being detained by Tehran’s morality police for disobeying the nation’s strict Islamic dress code, protests erupted across Iran for weeks. Mahsa was found to have committed suicide.
The exact cause of Amini’s passing was unknown.
Opponents criticise police brutality, but Iranian authorities maintain that the young woman’s death was caused by cardiac arrest.
In light of ongoing protests, France urges its people to leave Iran as soon as possible.
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