French citizen Martin Ryan, on trial in Baku for espionage alongside Azerbaijani citizen Azad Mammadli, admitted his ties to French intelligence but claimed he was drawn into spying through abuse of trust.
During the trial, he stated that he initially came to Azerbaijan for business and established contacts with the French Embassy, where he unknowingly met intelligence officers.
Ryan revealed that these agents, operating under diplomatic cover, attempted to recruit him and Mammadli to gather information on Russia and Iran. Despite refusing dangerous tasks, he maintained contact, believing their assurances of safety. However, after their arrest, the French government did not assist them.
Ryan criticised France for abandoning him, highlighting that French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed French intelligence chief Bernard Emié, signaling a failed operation. He also noted that deported embassy agents ignored investigation summonses, and French media remained silent until his father intervened.
Blaming the French government for his situation, Ryan lamented the loss of his job, projects, and personal plans.
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