Iran seals French language centre in Tehran, accuses it of illegal activities

Iranian authorities have sealed a French Language Centre (FLC) affiliated with the French embassy in Tehran following a judicial order, the Tehran prosecutor's office said on Sunday, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

The centre operated for years under the cover of foreign-language teaching despite repeated warnings to obtain a licence, authorities said, accusing it of activities against Iranian culture and national security, including identifying and building networks as well as facilitating the departure of skilled Iranians from the country.

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According to Mehr News, the prosecutor’s office said the centre had received multiple warnings from Iranian authorities to obtain the required operating licence under the country’s laws and regulations but refused to do so.

The report said the centre’s activities extended beyond language instruction, using its educational activities to carry out projects described as contrary to Iranian-Islamic culture and national security.

It also said the centre was involved in identifying and networking individuals and facilitating the departure of talented Iranians from the country.

The CLF was subsequently sealed under a judicial order as part of legal measures against unauthorised institutions operating in Iran.