BAKU – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan condemned France’s comments regarding the sentencing of French citizen Theo Clerc, who was convicted of damaging state property in Azerbaijan. In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry criticized the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs for its claim of “discrimination” against Clerc and what it called an “unfair decision” by the court.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Head of the Press Service Department Aykhan Hajizada responded firmly, stating that France’s disregard for Azerbaijan’s judicial procedures is unacceptable. Hajizada stressed that the case falls entirely within the jurisdiction of the Azerbaijani courts, and France has no right to question the judicial decision. Clerc was convicted under Azerbaijani criminal law for the intentional destruction of property, and it was noted that he had been previously fined in France for similar offenses.

The statement emphasized that Clerc’s actions during the trial did not align with the objective facts of the case, and his lack of remorse contributed to a more severe sentence than the other individuals involved. Azerbaijan also criticized France for its own record on international law violations, neocolonialism, and human rights issues, arguing that the country is in no position to lecture others on judicial authority.