Paris - A French university employee has been arrested in Iran accused of spying, the French Foreign Ministry said late Monday, saying the Iranian ambassador had been summoned to hear a demand for the woman's immediate release.

"France has informed its European partners, and calls on all Europeans to show solidarity," a ministry statement said.

It said the woman had been arrested on July 1 as she was leaving at an airport at the end of a five-month visit. The French ambassador immediately protested.

"The charge of espionage is without foundation," the ministry statement said Monday. "We call on the Iranian authorities immediately to release our citizen and allow her to leave Iran for France, where her family awaits her."

The ministry said it was in contact with the woman's father.(dpa)