Paris: Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly criticized France for its recent travel warning, which claims risks of arbitrary detention and unfair trials in Azerbaijan. Aykhan Hajizada, Head of the Press Service Department, condemned the statement from the Spokesperson of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, dated September 17, as an attempt to justify the travel warning based on unfounded allegations.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Hajizada emphasized that the portrayal of court proceedings in Azerbaijan as politically motivated and external interference in its judicial system is unacceptable. He further highlighted that France's focus on Azerbaijan's legal system ignores the issues within its own law enforcement and penitentiary systems.

Hajizada also pointed out France's violations of international law, including practices involving racism, discrimination, and restrictions on human rights. He urged France to respect Azerbaijan's sovereignty and internal affairs, and to cease making baseless allegations that could damage bilateral relations.