Iran’s mission to the United Nations in Geneva has urgently called for the unconditional release of Mahdieh Esfandiari, a 39-year-old Iranian university lecturer and human rights advocate based in France, citing severe concerns over her detention and mistreatment.
Background of the Arrest
According to Iran’s UN representation in Geneva, Mahdieh Esfandiari has been in detention for approximately five months in Fresnes Prison, located in the southern suburbs of Paris—one of France’s most notorious detention facilities. Iranian authorities assert she was arrested in early March 2025 following her social media activity expressing solidarity with Gaza, particularly a Telegram post referring to the October 7 Hamas attack.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Vahid Jalalzadeh, has described the detention as a form of “judicial hostage‑taking”, arguing that the charges appear politically motivated and that no substantive legal evidence has been presented against her.
Allegations of Abuse & Denied Rights
Esfandiari’s sister Zahra stated publicly that Mahdieh has been held in solitary confinement and subjected to various forms of psychological pressure, including being prohibited from wearing the hijab in prison—which her family views as emotional torture given her religious convictions. Iranian sources also allege she was denied proper consular access, restricted in her communications, and held without clear charges for extended periods.
Iran’s Diplomatic Response
Iranian diplomatic offices have made repeated efforts, including over 40 legal and consular interventions, to secure either her conditional release or improved treatment. Iran’s ambassador in Paris and consular staff have met with Esfandiari multiple times, a lawyer has been appointed on her behalf, and two residential properties (in Lyon and Paris) were offered as bail guarantees—though French authorities have so far rejected them.
A judiciary advisor, Khosrow Hakimi, also condemned the detention, calling it a clear violation of freedom of expression and pointing to what Iran views as hypocrisies in France’s professed human rights values.
Calls for International Support
Iran’s UN mission in Geneva has formally requested urgent action from international human rights bodies, calling on them not to remain indifferent to the alleged violations of fair trial standards and humane treatment in France. They are demanding Esfandiari’s swift release, unconditionally and without delay.