Azerbaijan has rejected France's criticism of the judicial proceedings against French national Martin Ryan, who was convicted of espionage on behalf of France, accusing Paris of interfering in the country's independent judicial system.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada issued the statement on July 30 in response to remarks by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, which questioned the legal process and alleged arbitrary detention and an unfair trial.
Hajizada said the criminal case against Ryan had been investigated in accordance with Azerbaijani law and that both the original verdict and the subsequent appeal ruling were based on the evidence presented and complied fully with national legislation.
He described France's attempt to politicise the case as unacceptable, saying that statements challenging the court's decisions amounted to interference in Azerbaijan's independent judiciary.
According to the Foreign Ministry, Ryan's procedural rights were fully protected throughout the proceedings in line with Azerbaijani law and the country's international obligations. Hajizada also noted that consular representatives from the French Embassy attended all court hearings, which he said demonstrated the transparency of the judicial process.
The spokesperson called on France to respect Azerbaijan's sovereignty, refrain from interfering in its internal affairs and judicial system, and avoid what he described as unfounded allegations that could harm bilateral relations.
Martin Ryan was sentenced to 10 years in prison, while Azad Mammadli, who was convicted of high treason, received a 12-year prison sentence after the Baku Court for Grave Crimes found them guilty of espionage and treason-related charges.
According to investigators, Ryan gathered information on Azerbaijan's defence industry, military personnel, foreign entities operating in the country and military cooperation with several states on behalf of France's external intelligence agency (DGSE). Prosecutors also said he arranged a meeting between Mammadli and French intelligence officers, who allegedly offered Mammadli foreign citizenship in exchange for cooperation.
Authorities arrested both men on December 4, 2023. Ryan, the former CEO of Merkorama LLC, was convicted under Article 276 (Espionage) of Azerbaijan's Criminal Code, while Mammadli was convicted under Article 274 (High Treason). Azerbaijani authorities also said DGSE personnel linked to the case were expelled from the country and declared persona non grata.
By Aghakazim Guliyev
