Baku: The next court hearing on the criminal case initiated by the State Security Service (SSS) against Martin Ryan, who is accused of spying for France, and Azad Mammadli, who is accused of treason, has been held. During the trial at the Baku Court on Grave Crimes, chaired by Judge Elmin Rustamov, the accused Martin Ryan requested to address the court.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Martin Ryan expressed concerns over translation issues in his statement. He clarified that terms like “confidential cooperation” were misinterpreted as “secret meetings” when translated into French. Ryan insisted that his interactions with alleged agents were public and not clandestine, with numerous witnesses including Azad Mammadli.

The trial continued with Martin Ryan’s statement, where he acknowledged meeting Frederic Devos, a French special services employee. Their discussions touched on the Azerbaijan-Armenia war, with Devos inquiring about the involvement of mercenaries from Trkiye and Pakistan. Ryan claimed his responses were based on internet research. Additionally, Ryan sought Devos’ assistance in starting a company, to which Devos offered to consult higher authorities.

Ryan’s statement revealed further interactions, including introducing Azad Mammadli to Devos. Mammadli later introduced Devos to another Azerbaijani acquaintance. Photographic evidence presented in court showed Ryan and his family socializing with French special services members, including Laurent L¶di, in Baku.

The court reviewed photographs from a party celebrating the birthday of an Azerbaijani who studied in France, suggesting close ties between Ryan and French officials. The court also heard about a phone conversation between Ryan and Mammadli, where Ryan advised caution in conversations at public events.

The ongoing case has drawn significant attention due to the allegations of espionage and treason. Martin Ryan has been charged under Article 276 (espionage) of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, while Azad Mammadli faces charges under Article 274 (treason). The next hearing is scheduled for September 8, following their arrest on December 4, 2023.