IranWire

French media report that prosecutors are seeking a four-year prison sentence for Mahdieh Esfandiari on charges related to the promotion of “terrorism.” A verdict in the case is expected on February 26, 2025, about a month from now.

Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian citizen living in France, has been charged with encouraging and inciting “terrorism” over her social media activity, including statements about the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. She has already spent several months in detention, and there are indications that the Islamic Republic has been in talks with France over a possible exchange.

Meanwhile, two French citizens recently freed from prisons in the Islamic Republic remain at the French Embassy and have yet to return home. Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris were released two months ago after spending more than three years in detention.

At the time of their release, the possibility of a prisoner swap between the two countries was raised, with suggestions that the two French citizens could be exchanged for Mahdieh Esfandiari.