French graffiti artist's jail term in Azerbaijan fuels diplomatic tensions

A court in Azerbaijan upheld a three-year jail sentence for a French citizen accused of graffiti vandalism, intensifying strained relations between Paris and Baku.

Theo Hugo Clerc, 38, was sentenced in September for drawing graffiti on a metro train. On Monday, his appeal was rejected, confirming the original sentence. Two co-accused, from Australia and New Zealand, received fines instead of jail time.

The French government condemned Clerc's sentencing as "arbitrary" and advised its citizens to avoid travel to Azerbaijan unless abs olutely necessary.

diplomatic fallout

Paris has accused Baku of using Clerc as a "diplomatic hostage," with his lawyer Margot Fontaine calling the case "a clear injustice." Relations between the two nations have soured over France's support for Armenia, Azerbaijan's longtime adversary.

Tensions have been rising for months, including France's boycott of the COP29 climate conference held in Baku. Paris has also accused Azerbaijan of fomenting unrest in French overseas territories.

Adding to the friction, another French national, Martin Ryan, remains detained in Azerbaijan on espionage charges that Paris denies.

a divisive case

The discrepancy in sentencing—Clerc receiving a jail term while his co-accused were fined—has fueled claims of political motivations. Clerc's brother, Charlie, described the situation as "an injustice," suggesting his sibling is caught in a geopolitical dispute.

"The court of appeal has left the decision in force," Clerc’s Azerbaijani lawyer, Elchin Sadygov, confirmed Monday.

This latest development is another flashpoint in the deteriorating ties between Azerbaijan and France, with no resolution in sight.