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Paris accused Tehran of “dictatorial practices” and taking its citizens hostage after a video was aired in which a French couple appeared to confess to spying, after weeks of unrest in Iran.
France’s foreign minister has said that five of its nationals were being held in Iran and the
European Union had agreed the technical aspects to impose
sanctions on Tehran, which would come into force next week.
“I hope to speak to the Iranian foreign minister today to
ask once again for the immediate release of all our compatriots,
who are held in Iran,” Catherine Colonna told France Inter
radio on Tuesday.
“There are currently five.”
Until now, Paris had not confirmed that a fifth citizen had
been detained during the nationwide protests. Iran said last
month that nine Europeans had been arrested in the unrest.
France lashed out at Iran on October 6 accusing it of “dictatorial practices” and taking its citizens hostage after a video was aired in which a French couple appeared to confess to spying, after weeks of unrest that Iran has linked to foreign foes.
READ MORE: Iran state TV airs video of French couple accused of spying
Deteriorating ties
Ties between France and Iran have deteriorated in recent
weeks as efforts to revive nuclear talks in which France is one
of the parties have stalled. Neither country has an ambassador
in place.
The anti-government protests in Iran over the death of
22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody last month have pushed
the EU to follow the United States, Canada and Britain in
imposing sanctions.
“The EU agreed yesterday the technical aspects of a sanctions package that will target those behind the repression.”
“It will validated on Monday,” Colonna said, referring to an
upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers.
READ MORE:
Foreigners detained in Iran as protests continue over Amini’s death
Source: Reuters
France: Five nationals being held in Iran
Source: News Achor Trending
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