Azerbaijan Pardons Frenchman Amid EU Sanctions Lift

Thu Sep 24 2026 00:44:04 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Azerbaijani President pardons a French national after the EU lifts sanctions on Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, inflaming Ukraine and reigniting scrutiny of Azerbaijan’s legal system.

Aizenajani President Ilham Aliyev granted a pardon to French national Martin Ryan, who had been sentenced to ten years in prison for alleged spying. The decision arrived just hours after the European Union removed sanctions on Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, a move that angered Ukraine and provoked criticism from other European states. While the pardon spared Ryan, another French detainee remains imprisoned, suggesting a selective approach. The episode underscores the delicate diplomatic dance between Azerbaijan, France, and European partners, and raises questions about national security, due process, and international sanctions policy.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has granted a pardon to French national Martin Ryan, who was jailed on espionage charges. The move came hours after the European Union lifted sanctions on Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from Ukraine and other European allies.

Ryan’s conviction in March 2024 followed accusations that he worked with French intelligence and gathered strategic data on Azerbaijan’s relations with Turkey, Iran and Pakistan. France has repeatedly denied the spying allegations, and Ryan himself has stated he never engaged in espionage. The pardon places him among 20 individuals, including Azerbaijani and Turkish citizens, released by Aliyev in a broad decree.

While Ryan’s release was welcomed by French officials, another Frenchman, Anass Derraz, remains in custody on charges of accepting a Russian bribe. The divergent outcomes illustrate a potentially selective application of justice in Azerbaijan, raising concerns about transparency and the rule of law.

The EU’s decision to remove the sanctions list entries for Usmanov and Fridman follows a routine renewal process that usually extends restrictions for three years. Ukraine’s foreign minister Andriy Sybiha condemned the move, arguing that it signals an erosion of sanctions effectiveness and a divisive stance among European nations. Latvia, initially opposed, has announced its own sanctions against the two officials, citing the need for consistent deterrence against Moscow’s influence.

Usmanov, a metals and mining billionaire who once faced accusations of close ties to President Vladimir Putin, denied the claims and has been sanctioned by the UK and the US. The EU’s removal of his sanctions appears linked to diplomatic negotiations, including France’s backing of the decision after sloveskian pressure. These actions have reignited discussions about the balance between national security interests and international diplomatic commitments.