Overview
- 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.