TEHRAN - Iran's top human rights official has slammed as “illegal” a French court’s decision to deport an Iranian national over his public solidarity with Palestinians. 

In a post on X, Kazem Gharibabadi, Secretary of Iran's High Council for Human Rights, also raised concerns over the legality of Bashir Biazar’s detention, highlighting that there is no legal restriction preventing his departure from France.

"Given that Bashir Biazar's return ticket is ready and there is no legal ban on his departure, why is France continuing the arbitrary detention of this Iranian citizen? We strongly condemn this course of action," he said.

Biazar is an Iranian journalist, maestro, and filmmaker known for his social media coverage of the recent Israeli war on Gaza. Two weeks ago, he was summoned by police, arrested upon arrival, and transported to a detention facility three hours from his home. 

Biazar's reporting, which included videos of anti-Israel demonstrations in France and awareness-raising about the plight of Palestinians, gained significant attention on social media. However, shortly after the start of the latest Israeli war in Gaza, his initial X account was removed without warning. He subsequently opened a new account, continuing to share his perspectives. 

A French court accused Biazar of "supporting terrorism" and "causing discord in the community," ordering him to leave the country within 28 days. Despite this order, French police have not released him, providing no explanation for the continued detention.

The arrest is the latest in a series of actions by Western governments aimed at muzzling criticism of Israel.