Paris, France — Independent news outlet Tousi TV, known for its critical coverage of the Iranian regime and real-time reporting from protest hotspots, has announced the arrest of its team in France. The channel's founder and prominent presenter, Mahyar Tousi, a British citizen of Iranian descent, is believed to be among those detained.
According to a breaking live stream posted by Tousi TV on YouTube titled “ BREAKING: Tousi TV Arrested In France By Macron - British Embassy Informed,” the arrests occurred in France amid what the outlet describes as politically motivated action linked to French President Emmanuel Macron’s government. The stream, which gained rapid traction with over 147,000 views shortly after posting, claims authorities have not disclosed specific charges to the team.
Social media reactions on X (formerly Twitter) exploded within minutes, with users sharing the YouTube link and expressing alarm over press freedom. Comments described the incident as “as bad as it gets for journalists” and highlighted Tousi TV’s role as one of the few outlets providing embedded, on-the-ground coverage related to Iran protests and regime issues.
Background on Tousi TVTousi
TV positions itself as an independent platform delivering “real-time global news” with a focus on Iran, championing freedom, democracy, and traditional values. Mahyar Tousi has frequently appeared on international outlets like Fox News to discuss Iranian politics, regime change, and related geopolitical developments. The channel has built a large following (over 1.5 million subscribers) by streaming live updates from sensitive areas, including recent unrest in Iran.
No official statement has yet been released by French authorities or the Élysée Palace confirming the arrests or providing details on the reasons. The involvement of the British Embassy suggests consular assistance is being requested for the British national(s) involved, a standard procedure in such cases.
Reactions and Context
The timing has fueled speculation online, with some users linking it to broader tensions involving Iran-related reporting in Europe or criticism of Western policies toward the Islamic Republic. Others have drawn parallels to concerns over free speech and journalist safety in France.
As of now, details remain limited:
- Exact location and circumstances of the arrest are unclear.
- No information on potential charges (e.g., related to public order, immigration, or content-related offenses).
- It is unknown whether the entire reporting crew or specific individuals were targeted.This story is developing rapidly. Mainstream outlets have not yet widely reported on the incident, which first broke via Tousi TV’s own channels.Updates will follow as more information becomes available from French officials, the British Foreign Office, or the Tousi TV team.
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