Azerbaijan pardons French national jailed on spy charges

Azerbaijan has pardoned French national Martin Ryan, who had been jailed on spy charges, in a move that follows the European Union's decision to lift sanctions on Azerbaijani oligarchs.

Diplomats described the sanctions decision as having come under pressure from Baku, suggesting a possible link between the two developments, though officials on both sides have not publicly confirmed any formal connection between the pardon and the EU's sanctions move.

A diplomatic thaw

Ryan's imprisonment had previously strained relations between France and Azerbaijan, with French officials having raised concerns about his case through diplomatic channels. His pardon is likely to be seen as a gesture aimed at easing tensions between Baku and Western governments, including France and the broader European Union.

The EU's decision to lift sanctions on Azerbaijani oligarchs marks a notable shift in the bloc's posture toward Azerbaijan, a country whose relations with European institutions have fluctuated in recent years over issues including its human rights record and its conflict-related disputes with Armenia.

Further details on the terms of Ryan's release and his expected return to France have not yet been made public.