France Demands Azerbaijan to Release Its Citizen Detained Arbitrarily

France accused Azerbaijan on Tuesday of arbitrarily detaining French citizen Martin Ryan and demanded his immediate release after the Azerbaijani ambassador in France stated that the man was arrested on suspicion of espionage.

Azerbaijani Ambassador Leila Abdullayeva told Reuters on Tuesday that French citizen Martin Ryan was arrested on December 4 due to "suspicions of engaging in espionage activities."

"We are in close contact with his family, and the French embassy in Baku has been able to visit our compatriot twice under consular protection," said the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding that they have requested another meeting with him.

"Since we have already had the opportunity to inform the Azerbaijani authorities, we consider this detention arbitrary and demand the immediate release of our compatriot," the statement read.