Our compatriots Benjamin Brière and Bernard Phelan, detained until now in Iran, are on their way to France today, Friday 12 May. They received medical care as soon as they left prison. I am delighted that they can soon be reunited with their loved ones in Paris.
Throughout this detention in Vakilabad prison, our compatriots and their loved ones benefited from the constant support of our diplomatic service, in particular our embassy in Tehran and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ Crisis and Support Centre.
Talking this morning to my Iranian counterpart, Mr Hossein Amir Abdollahian, I thanked all those who worked to secure these releases. I recalled France’s determination for the other French citizens still being held in Iran also to regain their full freedom swiftly and benefit from their right to consular protection.