AhlulBayt News Agency: Iran’s ambassador to UN organizations in Geneva has strongly protested the arbitrary detention of Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian academic and citizen, by French authorities, demanding her immediate release.
During the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Ali Bahreini urged the French government to free Esfandiari without delay.
He also stressed the importance of international support for pro-Palestinian human rights activists, especially women and girls who have devoted their lives to resisting occupation and injustice.
Esfandiari, a 39-year-old university lecturer and activist, has been held for over four months by French police near Paris, reportedly facing harassment and torture.
The Iranian envoy called for urgent action from international bodies like the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women and Girls and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women to help secure her release.
In his address to the 47-member council, Bahreini appealed for stronger global efforts to support Palestinian rights and those defending them.
Iran’s judiciary condemned Esfandiari’s detention as illegal and a clear violation of freedom of expression and personal security, citing international treaties ratified by France.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry also labeled her prolonged detention as a form of “hostage-taking” by the French judicial system.
Esfandiari was arrested on February 28 after posting messages on Telegram condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, and was held incommunicado for two days.
Her family only discovered her location after persistent inquiries, learning she was in police custody.
She was later transferred to Fresnes Prison, located outside Paris.
Esfandiari is a linguist with a degree in French language from Lumière University, and has lived in Lyon for eight years, working as a professor, translator, and interpreter.
The 470-kilometer distance between Lyon and Paris has made it extremely difficult for her loved ones to follow up on her case or offer support.
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