**Louis Arnaud: A voice for those forgotten by detention in Iran**
In a world where information circulates at breakneck speed, some voices remain resilient, lingering as tragic echoes of human injustices. Louis Arnaud, a former French detainee in Iran, embodies this voice. During his appearance on Fatshimetrie on January 16, 2025, he shared the atrocities he experienced during his two long years of incarceration in Evin Prison, an infamous place that houses many prisoners of conscience. His testimony, both poignant and disturbing, raises essential questions about detention in Iran but also about the representation of human rights in the contemporary world.
### An incredible experience
Arnaud, arrested while visiting Iran as a simple tourist, was caught up in the cogs of Iranian repression, where a simple accusation of propaganda or participation in demonstrations can lead to years of detention. This testimony is not just the story of one man; it is representative of a judicial system where the notion of justice is often replaced by that of repression. His letter of “state hostage” raises concerns about the treatment of prisoners in this type of situation. In Iran, arbitrariness is king: Louis had to face the humiliations of detention, both physical and psychological. But his situation also has a broader dimension affecting thousands of other detainees.
### An overview of detention in Iran
According to reports from human rights organizations, Iran has more than 7,000 political prisoners, which gives an idea of the scale of the repression. Prisons, particularly Evin, are described as places of torture, both mental and physical, where detainees are often subjected to inhumane conditions. Arnaud’s testimony comes at a time when international news is saturated with information on human rights violations. The use of these testimonies, often overlooked in the media turmoil, exposes a problem of global magnitude.
By comparison, countries such as Russia or China, also often criticized for their repressive practices, show that arbitrary detention and the lack of fair trials are part of a systemic problem present in several regions of the world. The similarities in the prisoners’ stories highlight a systematic evil.
### The voice of the forgotten
Arnaud’s mixed feelings about his release resonate deeply: a joy of regaining freedom, mixed with guilt towards the other prisoners who remain behind bars. This dilemma is not foreign to those who, like him, have experienced the arbitrariness of the Iranian regime. Through his story, he becomes the voice of these many forgotten people.
The psychological aspect of the prisoners is a point rarely addressed. The conditions of detention, as described by Arnaud, show how the prison environment can affect the identity of detainees, stripping them of their humanity. Studies show that inhumane detention conditions can lead to lasting psychological disorders. The Iranian government, while having a security discourse, does not seem to take into account the human cost of its choices.
### The role of the media
The role of the media in covering these injustices is also crucial. At a time when disinformation proliferates, it is imperative to remember that voices like Louis Arnaud’s represent a reality that is too often ignored. The media has a responsibility to broaden this scope beyond a simple isolated event, by building bridges between these stories and the imperatives of universal human rights. The repetition and highlighting of these narratives can influence public opinions and, therefore, act as catalysts for change.
### Conclusion: Beyond the Individual
Louis Arnaud’s story should not stop at his own ordeal. It should be seen as a symptom of a system that deserves to be denounced. His pain is a window into the suffering of thousands of individuals, lives shattered for beliefs or actions that some might consider non-compliant. It is essential not to lose sight of these voices, even if they do not always make the headlines. For a future where everyone can live freely, solidarity and empathy remain fundamental values on which to build a more just humanity. Testimonies like Louis Arnaud’s must fuel our collective will to fight against abuse and for a reform of justice systems around the world.