Azerbaijan has rejected France’s justification for advising its citizens against travel to the country, after Paris cited risks of arbitrary detention and unfair trials.
Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Aykhan Hajizada on Friday “firmly” condemned the French Foreign Ministry’s remarks and accused Paris of making “groundless and biased allegations”.
“The presentation of court proceedings conducted in accordance with Azerbaijani legislation in individual criminal cases on the basis of political considerations, as well as attempts to interfere in Azerbaijan’s judicial system, are unacceptable,” Hajizada said.
His response came after French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux reiterated on Thursday that France advises its nationals, including dual citizens, against travelling to Azerbaijan except for essential reasons because of what Paris describes as risks of arbitrary detention and unfair trial.
France’s official travel advice says those risks can apply to tourists and business travellers and warns that fundamental rights may not be guaranteed in the event of arrest or detention.
The latest diplomatic exchange comes amid tensions over French nationals detained in Azerbaijan.
Martin Ryan was sentenced to 10 years in prison in March on espionage charges, while Anass Derraz has been imprisoned for more than two years and sentenced to 12 years. Their cases have drawn criticism in France, while Azerbaijan maintains that proceedings against French citizens have been conducted in accordance with its laws.
Baku previously rejected French criticism of Ryan’s conviction, saying his procedural rights had been respected and French consular representatives had attended court hearings.
Relations between Azerbaijan and France have deteriorated sharply in recent years, with the two governments trading accusations over several issues.
France says the deterioration accelerated following Azerbaijan’s 2023 military operation in Garabagh and has accused Baku of arbitrary detention of French nationals and interference targeting French overseas territories.
Azerbaijan rejects those accusations and has repeatedly criticised France over its policies towards Armenia and its former and current overseas territories.
Hajizada on Friday called on Paris to respect Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and internal affairs and to end what he described as approaches damaging bilateral relations.
Read more:
The U.S. State Department approved a potential $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine for air-defence develo...
Saudi civil defence sent an all-clear on Saturday after issuing alerts for a second time for potential danger in R...
Azerbaijan has rejected France’s justification for advising its citizens against travel to the country, after Paris cited risks of arbitrary ...
Russian air strikes injured 13 and damaged buildings in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and in the Black Sea port city of Odesa in the early hours of Thursday, officials said on the Telegram messaging app.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said a Togo-flagged oil tanker was struck while attempting to make an “illegal passage” through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media said early on Friday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he hoped the war against Iran was nearing its end and that Tehran wanted to reach a deal, but Iran dismissed his comments as “mixed signals” as the conflict approaches its seventh month.
The European Union will disburse €3.3 billion ($3.8 billion) to Ukraine for missiles and drones, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 18 September 2026. These are the top five stories making headlines in the field of science.
Saudi civil defence sent an all-clear on Saturday after issuing alerts for a second time for potential danger in Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj east of the capital, amid an uptick in attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis on the Gulf country.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said a Togo-flagged oil tanker was struck while attempting to make an “illegal passage” through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media said early on Friday.
Baku ID 2026 has concluded in the Azerbaijani capital after two days that brought together technology leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers to explore the future of innovation and start-up development.
At least 16 people have been killed after suicide blasts during Friday prayers hit a police compound in Kohat, northwest Pakistan, officials said.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Yerevan would not object if Russia decided to withdraw its 102nd Military Base from Gyumri, arguing that the facility no longer plays a vital role in Armenia’s security.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment