Why it matters:
Esfandiari, who has lived in France for the past eight years, mysteriously disappeared on March 1, 2025, prompting her family to alert Iranian authorities. Subsequent consular follow-ups revealed that the French police had arrested her.
Esfandiari’s "crime" was her vocal support of Palestinians and her activity on a pro-Palestine Telegram channel. Her conditional release has been welcomed by Iranian authorities.
What he's saying:
Foreign ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghai, welcomed the supervised release of the Iranian academic from a French prison and stressed that the Foreign Ministry will continue its efforts until the full release of this Iranian national and her return to Iran.
What's next:
According to Baghai, Esfandiari would be transferred from prison to a residence outside the detention facility and would remain under supervision until her trial is held.
Her trial is expected to take place in December or January.
The foreign ministry spokesman also expressed optimism regarding Esfandiari’s complete freedom, saying: “I am optimistic and hope this will happen.”
M.Derakhshandeh - M.Derakhshandeh
