Aykhan Hajizadeh: Baku rejects France's statement on the Martin Ryan case

Official Baku firmly rejects the statement by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France dated July 30, which questions the judicial proceedings in the case of French citizen Martin Ryan and contains unfounded accusations against Azerbaijan.

This was stated by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Aykhan Hajizade, commenting on the French ministry's statement regarding Ryan's sentence.

He noted that the criminal case against the individual was investigated in accordance with Azerbaijani legislation, and the court made its decision based on the evidence presented and the charges brought.

According to A. Hajizade, the appellate court's decision was also made within the framework of Azerbaijani legislation and in accordance with international law.

He emphasized that it is unacceptable to politicize judicial proceedings, interfere in the activities of Azerbaijani courts, and make accusations of "unjustified detention" and "unfair trial."

"The presence of representatives of the French Embassy at all court hearings once again confirms the transparency of the process," Hajizade stressed.

Baku called on the French side to respect Azerbaijan's sovereignty, its internal affairs, and independent judicial system, as well as to refrain from unfounded accusations that damage bilateral relations.

It should be noted that Martin Ryan, accused of espionage on behalf of France, was sentenced by the Baku Court for Grave Crimes to 10 years of imprisonment. The Court of Appeal upheld the sentence.