Baku: A new court hearing has been held in the criminal case launched by the State Security Service (SSS) against Martin Ryan, who was arrested on charges of espionage for France, and Azad Mammadli, accused of high treason, APA reports. Witnesses testified at the hearing chaired by Judge Elmin Rustamov at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, K.Y., a former colonel of the State Border Service, testified that he met Martin Ryan in 2019 at the ‘World Business Centre’ in Baku, where Ryan was teaching French. K.Y. became acquainted with Ryan while attempting to learn French but later left the course due to dissatisfaction with Ryan’s teaching methods. K.Y. recounted how Ryan expressed interest in his military background and asked probing questions about his residence and occupation.

Another witness, N.M., head of ‘Linguist’ LLC, confirmed that Ryan taught French at the company and met several Azerbaijani and Russian officials during his tenure. Witness Z.M. testified about meeting Ryan during a student gathering in 2008 and later introducing him to Azad Mammadli. Z.M. detailed how Ryan’s interactions with French Embassy employees and French intelligence officers involved recruitment attempts and covert operations.

Witness U.A. recounted his close relationship with Ryan, highlighting discussions about political matters and Ryan’s business ventures. U.A. revealed that Ryan tried to recruit individuals for French intelligence services and had connections with embassy personnel, including Laurent Girard.

H.A., another witness, described his interactions with Ryan through a mutual acquaintance and his involvement in a computer sale to Ryan. Witnesses R.Q., R.B., H.T., and E.C. confirmed their previous statements, with R.B. noting discrepancies in Ryan’s claimed occupations.

The indictment alleges that Martin Ryan conducted espionage activities under the directives of the French intelligence service, targeting military information, potential recruits, and covert financial operations. Both Ryan and Mammadli face serious charges, with Ryan accused under Article 276 for espionage and Mammadli under Article 274 for high treason. The next hearing is scheduled for November 24, with further witness testimonies anticipated.