Louis Arnaud, a former French hostage in Iran, has revealed terrifying details of his experience in Evin prison, where he endured harsh and difficult conditions. He was arrested on September 28, 2022, by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard during a world tour, accused of participating in protests that erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish-Iranian woman who died in police custody.
In an interview with Euronews, Arnaud described Evin prison as a "den of evil," pointing to the inhumane conditions he experienced inside Section 209, which houses political prisoners and foreigners. His memories of prison reflect a bitter reality where inmates are held in windowless cells, with lights never turned off, causing them to lose their sense of time.
Details of the Experience
Arnaud suffered immense psychological pressure, stating: "The lights melt away any notion of time; they constantly probe your body. In your cell, there is nothing; it is devoid of everything. You eat, live, and sleep on the ground. They would take us out for a walk like animals once a week, blindfolded, to get 20 minutes of fresh air."
He spoke about the torture methods aimed at increasing psychological pressure on detainees, explaining that "this stripping of humanity and intense pressure in prison continued even during sleep. The goal was to force us into false confessions."
Background & Context
Arnaud's experience is not unique, as many foreign and local figures have suffered under the same conditions in Evin prison. For instance, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, the last French hostages, returned to France after several months of house arrest at the French embassy in Tehran. However, Arnaud only met Kohler and Paris under indirect circumstances.
It is noteworthy that the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022 sparked widespread protests in Iran, with calls for change spreading throughout the country. However, these protests faced severe repression from the regime, leading to the deaths of thousands and the arrest of over 50,000 people, according to human rights organizations.
Impact & Consequences
Arnaud noted that the revolution that began in 2022 has failed, but Iranians attempted again in January 2026, demonstrating a continued desire for change. "In any case, Evin remains not just a prison, but a stronghold of resistance," he said.
In his book, "Internal Resistance," Arnaud describes how the relationships he built with other prisoners shaped his spirit of resistance. He met a prisoner who was part of the 1979 Revolution, who had been arrested and tortured multiple times yet remained smiling. These encounters changed Arnaud's behavior in prison, as he realized that even in the worst conditions, one could refuse to surrender.
Regional Significance
Arnaud's experience highlights human rights issues in Iran, a matter of concern for the Arab world as well, where many countries suffer similar violations. Solidarity with detainees in Iran can significantly impact the promotion of human rights in the region.
In conclusion, Louis Arnaud's story remains a powerful example of resilience in the face of injustice, urging us to consider how to support those suffering from human rights violations everywhere.