Tehran: Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian citizen, is currently imprisoned in France, with charges against her stemming from her support for the Palestinian people, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei. Speaking to reporters, Baghaei described Esfandiari’s detention as an arbitrary act, politically akin to hostage-taking.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Esfandiari has been accused of “encouraging terrorism” by publishing messages on the social media platform ‘X’. These messages, as noted by Baghaei, were criticisms of the current events in Gaza and were essentially expressions of support for the Palestinian people. The Foreign Ministry has been actively working to provide consular services and aid in securing Esfandiari’s release.

Esfandiari, a 39-year-old graduate of the University of Lyon and a translator, has been living in France since 2018. She was reported missing in March 2025, and following diplomatic efforts, it was later confirmed by the Iranian administration that she was in police custody. She has been held in pre-trial detention for the past six months in Fresnes Prison, located on the outskirts of Paris.