BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 30. Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly rejected a statement issued by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs regarding the court ruling against French citizen Martin Ryan, describing the allegations against Azerbaijan as unfounded.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada said the criminal case against Martin Ryan was investigated in accordance with Azerbaijani legislation, and the court reached its decision based on the evidence presented and the charges brought against the defendant.
According to the statement, the appellate court's ruling was also delivered within the framework of Azerbaijan's legal system.
The ministry said France's attempts to politicize the judicial process, question the work of Azerbaijani courts, and describe the case as an "arbitrary detention" or an "unfair trial" are unacceptable.
The statement added that the defendant's procedural rights were fully guaranteed in accordance with Azerbaijan's domestic legislation and its international obligations. It also noted that representatives of the French Embassy attended all court hearings, which, according to the ministry, demonstrated the transparency of the proceedings.
The Foreign Ministry called on France to respect Azerbaijan's sovereignty, refrain from interfering in its independent judicial system, and avoid what it described as unfounded accusations that could harm bilateral relations.
France has previously expressed concerns over the case and called for the protection of the rights of its citizen.
