The Foreign Ministry says a French judge has granted conditional release to Iranian academic Mahdieh Esfandiari, detained in France for pro-Palestinian activism.

Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei made the announcement on Wednesday, saying that Tehran would continue to pursue the case of Esfandiari, a 39-year-old Iranian translator and university lecturer residing in Lyon, until her complete freedom.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue its efforts until the complete release of this compatriot and her return home,” Baghaei said.

Esfandiari, who had lived in France for nearly eight years, mysteriously disappeared on March 1, 2025, prompting her family to alert Iranian authorities.

Subsequent consular follow-ups revealed that the French police had arrested her.

Esfandiari’s detention was under the pretext of her activity on a pro-Palestine Telegram channel.

Her arrest drew sharp condemnation from the Islamic Republic. Tehran said it was politically motivated and a violation of free expression.

On Tuesday, Deputy Foreign Minister Vahid Jalalzadeh said Esfandiari’s name had been put forward in a prisoner exchange arrangement with France.

Pending transfer to residence outside detention center

According to Baghaei, Esfandiari would be transferred from prison to a residence outside the detention facility and would remain under supervision until her trial is held.

The court hearing could take place in December or January, the official added.

The spokesman expressed optimism regarding the possibility of Esfandiari’s complete freedom, saying, “I am optimistic and hope this will happen.”

He, meanwhile, said the Islamic Republic views this move by France as a positive gesture and welcomes it.

Press TV’s website