Azerbaijan foreign ministry firmly rejects France’s statement on Martin Rian case

We firmly reject the statement of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of July 30, which questions the judicial process against French citizen Martin Rian and contains unfounded accusations against our country.

This is stated in the commentary of the press secretary of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Aykhan Hajizada regarding the statement of the French foreign ministry in connection with the sentence handed down to Martin Rian.

It was noted that the criminal case against Martin Rian was investigated in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the court rendered its decision on the basis of the evidence presented and the charges brought against him. The decision of the appellate instance is also the result of a judicial process conducted within the framework of the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In this regard, the French side’s politicization of the judicial processes, the issuance of statements amounting to interference in the activities of Azerbaijani courts, as well as assertions about “unjustified detention” and an “unfair trial” are unacceptable.

During the judicial process, the procedural rights of the accused were ensured in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the country’s international obligations. The participation of consular representatives of the French embassy in all court hearings once again confirms that the process took place in conditions of transparency.

“We call on the French side to respect the sovereignty, internal affairs, and independent judicial system of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and to refrain from unfounded accusations that harm bilateral relations,” the commentary emphasizes.