Summary
A French national, Martin Ryan, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in Azerbaijan for spying. Ryan and the French government deny the charges, which include gathering military information and recruiting for French intelligence. The case comes amid strained relations between France and Azerbaijan.
Key Facts
- Martin Ryan, a French citizen, was sentenced to 10 years in an Azerbaijani prison for espionage.
- He was accused of spying on Azerbaijan’s military cooperation with Turkey and Pakistan.
- Ryan was also charged with recruiting French-speaking Azerbaijanis for French intelligence.
- An Azerbaijani citizen, Azad Mamedli, was sentenced to 12 years for treason related to the case.
- France described Ryan's detention as "arbitrary" and called for his release.
- The case occurs during tense diplomatic relations between France and Azerbaijan.
- Azerbaijan’s President Aliyev criticized France’s actions in its overseas territories.
- Despite recent tensions, Presidents Aliyev and Macron discussed resolving differences in 2024.
