Title: Fariba Adelkhah, Franco-Iranian researcher, finds freedom after four years of captivity in Iran
Introduction :
In exciting news, Franco-Iranian researcher Fariba Adelkhah is finally back in France after being held captive in Iran for almost four years. Her return marks the end of a long ordeal for this renowned anthropologist, research director at the Sciences Po International Research Center in Paris. His support committee announced his release and arrival in France last Tuesday. This event highlights the fight for scientific freedom and recalls the critical situation of researchers and intellectuals in many countries around the world.
Fariba Adelkhah’s journey:
Fariba Adelkhah, a specialist in Shiism and post-revolutionary Iran at Sciences Po, was arrested in June 2019 in Iran, at the same time as her companion Roland Marchal, another French researcher. Later, in 2020, she was sentenced to five years in prison for endangering national security, a charge that her relatives have always vigorously denied. After an early release last February, Fariba Adelkhah was prevented from leaving the country, thus prolonging her ordeal. Finally, she was able to return to France this week and regain her freedom.
The importance of scientific freedom:
The case of Fariba Adelkhah highlights the fight for scientific freedom around the world. Researchers and intellectuals are too often targeted and imprisoned for their work and ideas. In Iran, several French researchers and intellectuals are still detained, including Cécile Kohler, Jacques Paris and another Frenchman whose identity remains unknown. Their situations are worrying and show how essential it is to continue to mobilize to defend freedom of research and intellectual expression.
International mobilization:
The release of Fariba Adelkhah is a victory achieved thanks to the mobilization of many actors, including the researcher’s support committee and French diplomacy. However, this release should not make us forget the many other researchers and intellectuals who are still imprisoned throughout the world. It is essential to continue efforts to secure their release and guarantee freedom of research and intellectual expression everywhere.
Conclusion :
Fariba Adelkhah’s return to France is a relief for herself, her family and all those close to her. However, this should not make us forget the researchers and intellectuals still imprisoned. The fight for scientific freedom is far from over, but each victory is a source of encouragement to continue mobilizing. Research and intellectual expression are pillars of our society and must be protected and defended.