Iran media say France detained dual national over pro-Palestinian posts

French authorities have arrested a dual Iranian-French national in Paris for expressing support for Palestine, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday.

Mizan News Agency, affiliated with Iran’s judiciary, reported that Shahin Hazamy was detained by French security forces on Tuesday. The outlet described him as an independent journalist and said the arrest stemmed from his support for Palestine, without citing French legal charges.

French magazine Le Point confirmed through Hazamy’s lawyer that the arrest was based on accusations of “apologie du terrorisme,” a criminal charge under French law covering praise of terrorist acts. Hazamy remains in temporary detention while the case is under review by investigating judges.

Posts on Hazamy’s Instagram account show support for Hezbollah and Palestinian factions backed by Tehran, as well as images taken during recent visits to Lebanon. He also voiced solidarity with Mahdieh Esfandiari, a 39-year-old Iranian translator living in Lyon who has been held since early March under similar charges.

According to Le Point, Esfandiari is accused of publishing Telegram posts in support of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which Israeli officials say killed over 1,200 mostly civilians.

Iran’s foreign ministry has criticized both arrests, demanding explanations and consular access. Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said earlier in April that the detentions raised serious concerns over the rights of Iranian nationals in France.

France, meanwhile, says Iran detains French citizens as leverage in diplomatic disputes. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged French nationals not to travel to Iran, citing the risk of arbitrary arrest.