French authorities have detained an Iranian citizen since June 3, a police source said. His lawyer has denounced the move as “political” amid tensions between Paris and Tehran. Bashir Biazar has been described by London-based Iran International television channel as a former official for the Iranian state broadcaster IRIB. Iranian state media have described him as a “cultural figure”. He was detained in Dijon and is being held in administrative detention – a measure taken ahead of possible deportation.
