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French court finds Iranian national guilty of glorifying terrorism

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 26, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: April 2, 2026

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French court finds Iranian national guilty of glorifying terrorism
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PARIS, Feb 26 (Reuters) - A French court on Thursday convicted an Iranian national of glorifying terrorism in social media posts. * The court sentenced Mahdieh Esfandiari, a student living in the city

French Court Convicts Iranian Student for 'Glorifying Terrorism' Online

Case Overview and Legal Context

PARIS, Feb 26 (Reuters) - A French court on Thursday convicted an Iranian national of glorifying terrorism in social media posts.

Sentence and Deportation Order

* The court sentenced Mahdieh Esfandiari, a student living in the city of Lyon, to four years in prison. Three years of the sentence were suspended.

Lawyer Calls Ruling 'Severe'

Defense Response and Planned Appeal

* Esfandiari was ordered to leave France. Her lawyer described the ruling as "severe" and said she would appeal.

Arrest Tied to Hamas Attack Posts

* Esfandiari arrested last year for social media posts that praised Palestinian Islamist group Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel.

France–Iran Diplomatic Backdrop

* France is trying to bring two of its citizens back from Iran.

Reporting and Editing Credits

(Additional reporting by John Irish; Writing by Makini Brice; editing by Richard Lough, Alexandra Hudson)

Key Takeaways

  • A Paris court convicted Iranian national Mahdieh Esfandiari of glorifying terrorism over social media posts.
  • She received four years in prison with three years suspended and was ordered to leave France.
  • Her lawyer called the ruling severe and said she will appeal.
  • The case involves posts praising Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel.
  • France is seeking the return of two of its citizens from Iran, a backdrop to the case.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main topic?
A French court in Paris convicted Iranian student Mahdieh Esfandiari of glorifying terrorism for social media posts. She received a four-year sentence with three years suspended and was ordered to leave France.
Why was Esfandiari convicted?
Prosecutors said her social media activity praised Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, constituting glorification of terrorism under French law. Her defense plans to appeal the ruling.
What are the wider implications?
The case unfolds amid strained France–Iran relations, as Paris seeks to bring home two French citizens held in Iran, adding diplomatic sensitivity to the verdict and potential next steps.

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