Azerbaijan has France’s justification for its travel warning over the country, objecting to references to risks of arbitrary detention and unfair trials.

Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Aykhan Hajizada responded on September 18 to a statement from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, maintaining that criminal proceedings in Azerbaijan are conducted under Azerbaijani law and should not be interpreted on political grounds. Hajizada also rejected what he called attempts to interfere in the country’s judicial affairs.

Hajizada further challenged France’s criticism by pointing to what he framed as problems within its own law-enforcement and penitentiary systems, as well as alleged shortcomings in its record on international law and human rights. Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman characterized the French position as unfounded and biased.

France’s travel guidance cites the risk of arbitrary detention and unfair trials among the reasons for advising against travel to Azerbaijan except where strictly necessary. The warning also includes separate restrictions covering areas near the Armenian border and parts of the former Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Baku urged Paris to respect Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and internal affairs and to avoid approaches that could further damage bilateral relations.

The latest dispute marks another point of friction in France-Azerbaijan relations, with disagreements extending across judicial matters as well as wider political and regional issues.