Macron says that Iran has launched a French tourist since 2022

President Emmanuel Macron said that a French tourist has been detained by the Iranian authorities for more than two years, which was released and returned to France.

Olivier Grundo, 34, wrote “free” and with his family, Macron wrote on Thursday, adding: “We share the happiness and comfort of his family.”

Mr. Grondo was arrested in southern Iran in October 2022 and was sentenced to five years in prison for a “conspiracy against the Islamic Republic.” His family has always denied the charges.

The Iranian regime has arrested many tourists and double citizens in recent years, most of them from espionage and national security.

French Foreign Minister Jean -Noel Barrot posted a picture of Mr. Grondo on a back plane to the house on Thursday.

He wrote: “He was held hostage in Iran for 887 days, and he was collected with his family, loved ones and country. It is a great relief.”

Speaking publicly for the first time since his arrest in January, Mr. Grundo said he was “holding a hostage” by the authorities.

His family described him as a fan of Persian poetry who traveled to Iran in a tourist visa as part of a global tour.

There are other French citizens currently being held in Iran.

Cecil Kuller, the teacher and her partner, Jacques Paris, was arrested in May 2022 and accused of seeking to move the protests denied by their families.

There is increased concern about their health and France has repeatedly pressured their release.

Macron said on Thursday: “Cecil Kuller and Jack Paris should be released from Iranian prisons,” Macron said on Thursday.

Human rights groups say that tourists and double citizens are often held to take advantage of diplomatic negotiations, they are issued only when Iran gets something in return.

The British Foreign Ministry confirmed last month that a British couple – Craig and Lindsay Foreman – were arrested.

They were charged with espionage, with Iranian government media reports that were seized in the southeastern city of Kerman.

In January, Italian journalist Cecilia Sala returned to 29 years old to Rome after spending weeks in an Iranian prison. Reports said she was being held in solitary confinement in the famous Evin prison in Tehran.