A French citizen named Martin Ryan has been granted a pardon by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, resulting in his release from prison after serving time on espionage charges. This decision was made shortly after the European Union decided to lift sanctions on two prominent Russian billionaires, which has incited considerable outrage from Ukraine.
Ryan was among 20 individuals pardoned by Aliyev, although another Frenchman, Anass Derraz, remains incarcerated in Azerbaijan on allegations of accepting a bribe from a Russian source. The circumstances that led to the EU’s decision to remove sanctions on Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov remain unclear, although it is known that Slovakia initially advocated for this change before France expressed its support, citing issues of national security.
EU’s Sanctions and Diplomatic Tensions
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Usmanov and another oligarch, Mikhail Fridman, have been under EU sanctions. The recent lifting of these sanctions has raised concerns and anger, particularly in Ukraine, as it is perceived as a victory for Moscow. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha condemned the EU’s actions, stating that Russia is now basking in a sense of impunity and that the decision symbolizes a troubling division among European nations.
The EU sanctions have affected over 3,000 individuals and entities, and the latest agreement allows for the continuation of sanctions on most parties involved for an additional three years. Usmanov has been described by the EU as having close connections with Russian President Vladimir Putin and as someone who has materially supported those responsible for the annexation of Crimea and the destabilization of Ukraine. He has also been sanctioned by the UK and the US.
Reactions and Future Relations
Latvia initially opposed the lifting of sanctions but later decided to abstain, indicating its intention to implement its own restrictions on the two billionaires. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže expressed that this decision sends a dangerous message at a time when Russia’s actions are increasingly aggressive.
In a related development, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs announced that French President Emmanuel Macron had agreed to initiate discussions regarding Latvia’s participation in a French nuclear deterrence initiative. Despite Azerbaijan’s historically strained relations with France due to its ties with Armenia, Macron has shown interest in cultivating better diplomatic relations with Aliyev, who has referred to a “new era” in bilateral relations.
Details of Martin Ryan’s Case
Martin Ryan was detained in December 2023 and subsequently sentenced to 10 years in prison for espionage, charges that the French government has consistently denied. Prosecutors claimed he collaborated with French security services in Baku to gather intelligence regarding Azerbaijan’s relationships with Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan, as well as Russian and Chinese companies.
Throughout the trial, Ryan maintained his innocence, asserting, “I did not spy. I am not a spy, and during the court case I tried to prove this.” His co-defendant, Azad Mamedli, received a 12-year sentence but was not included in the recent pardon issued by Aliyev.
