**Azerbaijan Pardons French National Convicted of Spying**
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has granted clemency to Martin Ryan, a French national who was serving a 10-year prison sentence for espionage. The pardon was announced on September 23, 2026, just one day after the European Union lifted sanctions on Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, a move reportedly influenced by diplomatic negotiations between Baku and Paris.
Ryan, who also holds British citizenship, was arrested in 2023 and subsequently convicted in March 2025 on charges of spying. Prosecutors accused him of gathering sensitive information regarding Azerbaijan's military relationships with Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan, as well as intelligence on companies associated with Russia and China. Ryan has consistently denied the allegations, claiming they are unfounded and politically motivated.
The Azerbaijani government stated that the decision to pardon Ryan, along with 19 other individuals, was based on various factors including their personal circumstances, health, and family situations. The list of pardoned individuals included nationals from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Israel, and Pakistan.
Following the announcement of the pardon, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed relief, describing the decision as a "humanitarian gesture." The ministry indicated that the outcome was the result of extensive and careful dialogue with Azerbaijani authorities, emphasizing France's commitment to advocating for its citizens abroad.
While the pardon has been welcomed by France, it remains unclear whether Ryan has been released from custody. The situation has raised questions about the broader diplomatic context, particularly in light of the EU's recent decision to lift sanctions on Usmanov and fellow Russian billionaire Mikhail Fridman. This marked a significant shift, as it was the first time the EU had removed sanctions on wealthy Russian individuals who had not publicly condemned the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
European diplomats have suggested that France may have indicated to Baku that the lifting of Usmanov's sanctions was part of a broader negotiation strategy to secure the release of its detained citizens, including Ryan. However, an Azerbaijani diplomat dismissed these claims as "categorically unfounded," asserting that the pardon was not the result of any pressure campaign.
In a related development, another French national, Anass Derraz, who was sentenced to 12 years on corruption charges, was not included in the list of pardoned individuals. This has raised further concerns regarding the treatment of French nationals in Azerbaijan, especially in the context of ongoing tensions between Azerbaijan and France, particularly due to France's support for Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The recent developments have also drawn international attention, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commenting that the situation reflects Russian efforts to disrupt Western unity. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed concerns that the pardon could signify a sense of impunity for Russia and contribute to divisions within Europe.
The diplomatic landscape between Azerbaijan and France has been complicated by various geopolitical factors, including Azerbaijan's deteriorating relations with Russia following the accidental downing of an Azerbaijani passenger jet by Russian forces in December 2024. These tensions have influenced the dynamics of international relations in the region, particularly as Azerbaijan navigates its relationships with both Western and Eastern powers.
As the situation continues to unfold, the implications of Ryan's pardon and the broader diplomatic negotiations between Azerbaijan and France will be closely monitored by international observers.