Iranian Woman Sentenced in France, Swap Possible

A French court sentenced Iranian national Mahdieh Esfandiari on Thursday for glorifying terrorism in social media posts praising Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel. The student, residing in Lyon, received a four-year sentence, with three years suspended, and was ordered to leave France. Her lawyer plans to appeal, calling the ruling “severe.” The case is linked to ongoing negotiations with Tehran regarding the release of French citizens Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who are currently detained in Iran. Observers believe Esfandiari may be used as a bargaining chip in a potential prisoner swap. Kohler and Paris have been released from jail in Iran but are currently unable to leave the country. The verdict in Esfandiari’s trial could spur further discussions between Paris and Tehran for their release.