A spokesperson for the judicial authorities in Tehran on Tuesday said Iranian prosecutors had charged two French nationals with espionage.

According to the Misan portal operated by the judicial authorities, the two, whose identities were not disclosed, are also being charged with “conspiracy against national security.’’

The trials will be held before a revolutionary court.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna confirmed the arrest of two French nationals in November amid countrywide protests in Iran.

Several European nationals have been detained and charged in the past, including tourists.

According to the Iranian legal authorities, at least 40 foreign nationals have been detained since the recent wave of protests erupted in mid-September.

The country’s security authorities frequently justify the detentions with allegations of espionage, while critics accuse the government of using foreign nationals as hostages.

The protests erupted following the death in detention of Mahsa Amini on September 16.

The country’s moral police held the Kurdish woman for violating the country’s dress code for women. 

(dpa/NAN)