Iran’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the prolonged detention of Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian lecturer held in France, accusing the French judiciary of engaging in what it calls "hostage-taking" by keeping her under arrest for months.

“We consider the arrest of Mahdieh Esfandiari by the French judiciary and security apparatus to be judicial hostage-taking. This is an inhumane act, and we are pursuing her release with full strength and determination,” Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for expat affairs, Vahid Jalazadeh, stated on Sunday.

Jalalzadeh stressed that the charges seem to originate from Esfandiari's "supportive activities related to the cause of the Palestinian people and the oppressed people of Gaza," emphasizing that despite persistent diplomatic and legal interventions, "no solid legal evidence" has yet been provided against her.

“From the first day of her arrest, we lodged formal protests with the French Foreign Ministry, summoned the French ambassador and deputy ambassador in Tehran, and expressed our strong objection to this arbitrary detention,” Jalazadeh stated.

Jalalzadeh noted that Iran’s ambassador in Paris, along with consular officials, has held multiple meetings with the 35-year-old Iranian detainee in prison, reaffirming the Islamic Republic’s unwavering support for her case.

“We have provided her with a lawyer, who remains in close contact with both Esfandiari and her family. We are also maintaining constant communication with her family, and I personally met with them to address their concerns,” Jalazadeh highlighted.

He added that two residential properties have been offered to the French Authorities as guarantees in return for her temporary release, but the French court has so far rejected the proposal.

'No verdict has been issued yet'

Addressing rumors of a potential court decision against Esfandiari, the official clarified that "no verdict has been issued yet," while emphasizing ongoing intensive efforts to secure a favorable court ruling for her eventual release.

Jalalzadeh condemned France's "double standard," criticizing how a nation that prides itself as a cradle of democracy has engaged in what he called an unlawful and politically motivated action. Tehran maintains that Esfandiari's detention constitutes both a human rights violation and a politicized abuse of judicial processes.

Her friends and family reported that on February 28, security personnel conducted an exhaustive search of her home, an event that escalated into a situation bearing an unsettling resemblance to a kidnapping, as described by those close to her.

After her arrest, for a span of two days, there was no disclosure regarding her location, leaving her loved ones in the dark until they persistently sought answers and eventually discovered she was being held in police custody, following their relentless efforts to uncover the truth.

Following this, Esfandiari was moved to Fresnes prison, situated approximately 470 kilometers away near Paris, a significant distance that has severely hindered her family and friends from effectively advocating for her case or offering her any assistance, due to the logistical challenges posed by the remote location.