Azerbaijan pardons French national convicted of espionage

President Ilham Aliyev has pardoned Martin Ryan, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for espionage earlier this year. The French Foreign Ministry had rejected the allegations and called for his release.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has pardoned French national Martin Ryan, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for espionage earlier this year, local media reported.

Ryan was among several people pardoned under a presidential decree, according to the APA news agency. He was convicted in March by the Baku Court on Grave Crimes.

Presidential decree cites personal circumstances

The decree said the pardon was issued after taking into account the convicts’ “personalities, health and family circumstances”, among other considerations.

In a statement issued in July, France’s Foreign Ministry condemned Ryan’s sentence, rejected the allegations against him and demanded his immediate release.

This article was processed automatically and checked by the editorial team.

Macron says international credibility at stake over Gaza inaction

Libyan committee discusses deal aimed at holding national elections

Cuba restores national power grid after major blackout

Iran closes French language centre in Tehran over alleged illegal activities

President Ilham Aliyev approves security agreement with Georgia