Baku: Another hearing has been held in the criminal case launched by the State Security Service (SSS) regarding Martin Ryan, accused of espionage for France, and Azad Mammadli, charged with high treason, APA reports. Witnesses testified at the hearing held under the chairmanship of Judge Elmin Rustamov at the Baku Court on Grave Crimes.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, J.S., who is recognized as a witness in the case, testified that he became acquainted with the accused Martin Ryan on Facebook. He accepted Ryan’s friend request and communicated with him about his business plans and personal life. J.S. stated that he lost contact with Ryan when his phone became unreachable and was later summoned by the SSS to testify.

Another witness, S.Sh., testified about renting his house to Laurent Girard, an employee of the French Embassy. He explained that Girard left for France urgently, and S.Sh. encountered no suspicious activity during the rental period.

R.M., another witness, shared his acquaintance with Martin Ryan, whom he met in France through a mutual friend. They collaborated on a business venture but had a falling out over company shares. R.M. mentioned encounters with embassy employees and discussions about Martin’s business activities.

The state prosecutor questioned the witnesses on their knowledge of espionage activities, to which they responded with denials of any such awareness. Martin Ryan stated his involvement in the company was for residency purposes and denied any espionage actions.

The trial will continue on January 12 with further witness testimonies. The indictment outlines suspicions of Martin Ryan’s involvement in espionage activities concerning Azerbaijani military and diplomatic information, and his connection to the French intelligence service, DGSE. Martin Ryan and Azad Mammadli were arrested on December 4, 2023, with charges of espionage and high treason, respectively.