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.
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