French National Arrested in Azerbaijan Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Martin Ryan faces espionage charges as France calls for his immediate release, escalating tensions between the two countries.

Martin Ryan, a French national, was arrested in Azerbaijan on espionage charges on December 4, 2023.
Azerbaijan's ambassador to France, Leyla Abdullayeva, announced the arrest, stating that Ryan is detained for a period of four months.
The French foreign ministry confirmed the arrest and has called for Ryan's immediate release, labeling the detention as arbitrary.
Ryan's lawyer, Nizami Aliyev, revealed that Ryan could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
The arrest comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Azerbaijan and France, with both countries recently expelling each other's diplomats and accusations of France arming Armenia, Azerbaijan's rival.