OMM Redaksiyası
Azerbaijan has objected to France advising its citizens against traveling to the country. Paris justified the decision by citing the alleged risk of arbitrary detention and unfair trials in Azerbaijan.
Ayhan Hajizada, spokesperson for Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, strongly condemned the French Foreign Ministry’s statement on Friday, saying Paris had made “unfounded and biased allegations.”
“It is unacceptable to portray court proceedings conducted in accordance with Azerbaijani legislation in individual criminal cases as being based on political considerations, as well as attempts to interfere in Azerbaijan’s judicial system,” Hajizada said.
His remarks followed a statement issued on Thursday by French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux. France advises its citizens, including dual nationals, against traveling to Azerbaijan except in necessary circumstances.
France’s official travel advisory says the risk of arbitrary detention and unfair trials may also apply to tourists and people traveling for business purposes. The document warns that fundamental rights may not be guaranteed in the event of arrest or detention.
Dispute over detained French citizens
The latest diplomatic exchange comes amid tensions over French citizens detained in Azerbaijan. Martin Ryan was sentenced to 10 years in prison in March on espionage charges.
Anass Derraz has been held for more than two years and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Although the cases have prompted criticism in France, Azerbaijan says proceedings involving French citizens have been conducted in accordance with the country’s legislation.
Baku has previously rejected French criticism of Ryan’s conviction. Azerbaijan said his procedural rights had been respected and that representatives of the French consulate had attended court hearings.
Relations between Azerbaijan and France have deteriorated sharply in recent years. The two sides have traded accusations on a number of issues.
France says the deterioration accelerated after Azerbaijan’s 2023 military operation in Garabagh. Paris has accused Baku of arbitrarily detaining French citizens and taking interventionist steps against France’s overseas territories.
Azerbaijan rejects these allegations and has repeatedly criticized France over its policy toward Armenia, as well as its former and current overseas territories.
Hajizada on Friday urged Paris to respect Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and internal affairs and to end approaches that harm bilateral relations.
