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From top left to right: Dominique Attias, Ingrid Betancourt, Jean-Pierre Brard.
From bottom left to right: Yves Bonnet, Gilbert Mitterrand, Jean-François Legaret.
A group of prominent French figures has issued a joint statement condemning the Iranian regime’s ongoing use of hostage diplomacy and what they describe as politically motivated manipulation of the French media and judiciary. The signatories—including legal experts, former elected officials, and human rights advocates—welcomed the release of French hostage Olivier Grondeau, but voiced alarm over reports suggesting the release may have been part of a broader bargain targeting Iran’s democratic opposition.
They expressed particular concern about recent defamatory attacks against Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), and linked these efforts to appeasement tactics aimed at satisfying Tehran. The statement strongly denounces what it calls “shameful blackmail” by the Iranian regime and urges an end to the use of democratic institutions as tools for political concessions.
A translated version of the joint statement follows:
Joint Statement by French Figures Following the Release of a Hostage by Iran
Manipulation of the Press and Judicial System to Appease the Mullahs’ Regime Must End
We welcome the release of hostage Olivier Grondeau, announced today, Thursday, March 20, 2025. We are happy for him and his family. This terrible ordeal, provoked by the Iranian regime, has finally come to an end for him. “State hostages” are the new weapon of this tyranny. We are relieved that Olivier Grondeau is no longer unjustly and arbitrarily imprisoned, but we do not forget his two cellmates, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, and all the other European state hostages still in captivity.
Furthermore, we are deeply concerned about what appears to be a bargain aimed at demanding a deliberate attack and demonization of the Iranian democratic opposition—the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI)—and its elected president, Maryam Rajavi, in exchange for the release of European hostages.
« La bave du crapaud n atteint jamais la blanche colombe « 🤢 mais aussi « , diffamez Diffamez il en restera tjrs quelque chose « 😡objectif affiché mollahs assassins 👹 . Mais leurs manœuvres sont le corollaire de leur crainte CNRI et OMPI .Ont raison heure comptes arrive⏰✊
— Dominique Attias (@AttiasDominique) March 20, 2025
The recent unfounded allegations against Mrs. Rajavi, published in certain French media outlets, are nothing more than recycled fabrications orchestrated to satisfy the Iranian regime’s demands and amount to a personal smear campaign. We strongly condemn this shameful blackmail by the Iranian regime, which, as past experience shows, will only encourage further hostage-taking.
Reports also indicate that allegations of financial misconduct have been submitted to the public prosecutor.
This blatant manipulation of the judiciary and the media for political purposes is both unethical and dangerous. It is deeply concerning that instead of holding the Iranian regime accountable for its “hostage diplomacy” and its ongoing human rights violations, efforts are being made to undermine those who stand for democracy and freedom in Iran.
The allegations of financial misconduct—based on false information from the Iranian regime and intended to appease Tehran—were already the subject of a judicial investigation lasting 12 years (2002–2014), funded by French taxpayers. The case was found to be baseless, and the investigating judge, Marc Trévidic—known for his integrity and competence—ultimately issued a definitive “non-lieu” (case dismissal).
We know Mrs. Maryam Rajavi well. She has dedicated her life to the cause of democracy, equality, and human rights.
Je me réjouis également de la libération de l’otage #oliviergrondeau , mais ce qui est véritablement honteux, c’est cette mise en scène savamment orchestrée, où la presse est manipulée pour servir des marchandages politiques. Une manœuvre qui, après avoir accompli son rôle,… https://t.co/4iX0JIppAV pic.twitter.com/nLBBzriC0X
— Ali Momen (@AliMomen_) March 20, 2025
Any attempt to discredit her through baseless accusations serves only the interests of a regime known for its repression and terrorism.
The events of recent days have once again demonstrated that such allegations against the NCRI and the PMOI are solely intended to curry favor with the Iranian regime. We firmly oppose this defamation campaign and demand an end to the use of democratic institutions as tools for political concessions.
Signatories:
Dominique Attias – Lawyer, President of the Board of the European Bars Federation, former Vice President of the Paris Bar
Ingrid Betancourt – Author, former hostage, former Colombian Senator and presidential candidate
Yves Bonnet – Former Regional Prefect, former Director of French Counterintelligence (DST)
Jean-Pierre Brard – President of the French Committee for a Democratic Iran (CFID), former Member of Parliament and Mayor
Jean-François Legaret – President of the Foundation for Middle East Studies (FEMO), former Mayor of the 1st arrondissement of Paris
Gilbert Mitterrand – President of the Danielle Mitterrand Foundation – France Libertés, former Member of Parliament and Mayor