France – RFI, January 13, 2025
A Frenchman held in Iran since October 2022, one of three French nationals in detention, has revealed his identity in an audio message broadcast on French public radio, saying he was becoming exhausted over his ordeal.
Olivier Grondeau,34, had previously only been identified by his first name and French authorities had not released details of his case.
In an audio message aired on France Inter public radio on Monday, Grondeau fully identified himself, proclaimed his innocence and said he was the victim of “political blackmail” between France and Iran.
He warned that he and two other French detainees held in Iran were “exhausted”.
The other two French nationals – teachers Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris – were detained in May 2022 on charges of seeking to stir up labour protests. Their families vehemently deny the accusations.
Grondeau is being held in Evin prison in Teheran, and shares a cell with 18 other prisoners. He said that Kohler and Paris were being held in even harsher conditions than his own.
“You, who have the power to influence this matter, hear this truth,” he said in the audio message, apparently addressing the French authorities.
“Cecile’s strength, Jacques’ strength, Olivier’s strength – it is all running out,” he said. “Your responsibility is called upon to ensure the survival of three human beings,” he said.
