Hard life of Iranian woman in French prison / Pro-Palestine demonstrations in France

Pars Today – Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian citizen living in France, translator, and Lyon University graduate, is currently imprisoned in France solely for expressing solidarity with oppressed Palestinian children.

Mahdieh Esfandiari, the Iranian woman, has been controversially detained in a country that claims to uphold freedom.

According to Pars Today, citing IRIB News Agency, the latest reports and key information about her case indicate that Esfandiari mysteriously disappeared on March 28, 2025 in Lyon, France. Following inquiries by her family and Iranian authorities, it was revealed that she had been detained by French police. Two French judicial officials have arrested her on charges of “apologie du terrorisme” (advocating or defending terrorism).

These charges are primarily linked to her posting of content on social media—including Telegram—in support of the Palestinian people and exposing the crimes of the Israeli regime in Gaza. She is currently being held at Fresnes Prison, located 25 kilometers from Paris, a facility typically used for high-risk offenders and known for its harsh conditions.

So far, no public trial has been held to address the charges against her, and she has spent over 100 days in pretrial detention, including time in solitary confinement. Reports indicate severe restrictions, including denial of access to halal food, forced removal of her hijab, and inability to freely practice her religious rituals. Iran has condemned her detention as illegal and described it as a form of judicial hostage-taking by France, calling for her immediate release.

Pro-Palestine demonstrations in France

Pro-Palestinian supporters held a demonstration in Paris, calling for sanctions against the Israeli regime and an end to the killing of civilians and journalists in the Gaza Strip. On Wednesday, protesters gathered in the “Palais Estienne d’Orves” area of Paris, carrying flags and placards with slogans such as: “Sanction Israel and enforce justice immediately” and “Stop the killing of journalists in Gaza.”

Pro-Palestinian activists in France also demanded the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, boycotts of products from companies supporting Israel, and an end to the killing of civilians and journalists in the region.