Théo Clerc's Three-Year Prison Sentence Upheld in Azerbaijan
French street artist Théo Clerc, aged 38, has had his three-year prison sentence upheld by an Azerbaijani court following an appeal. His conviction stems from tagging a metro train in Baku, an act his lawyer describes as a result of deteriorating diplomatic relations between France and Azerbaijan. Clerc was originally sentenced on September 10, 2024, while his co-defendants, a New Zealander and an Australian, received only fines for similar actions. His brother, Charlie Clerc, has voiced concerns about the perceived injustice of the situation, stating, "The injustice is real."
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Clerc's detention as "arbitrary" and his sentence as "unfair." Margot Fontaine, Clerc's lawyer, has labeled him a "diplomatic hostage" caught in the crossfire of escalating tensions between the two nations. Relations have soured significantly since Azerbaijan's military actions in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023, which resulted in the displacement of over 100,000 residents and increased accusations between the countries regarding support for opposing factions.
Diplomatic Tensions and Broader Implications
The strained relations between France and Azerbaijan have been further highlighted by the absence of French officials, including President Emmanuel Macron, at the COP29 climate summit held in Baku in November. Azerbaijan has accused France of inciting a boycott of the event, a claim that French authorities deny. The situation is compounded by the detention of another French national, Martin Ryan, accused of espionage, which Paris has categorically rejected. Additionally, a third Frenchman has been barred from leaving Azerbaijan since July, a measure deemed arbitrary by French diplomacy.
The charges against Clerc include "hooliganism," which is often associated with actions against the Azerbaijani state, and could lead to a longer prison sentence if the court finds further evidence against him. His lawyer has expressed concern over the severity of the charges, noting that the graffiti was not politically motivated or obscene in nature.
Ongoing Investigation into Missing Théo Courcoux
In a separate but equally distressing case, the family of Théo Courcoux, a young Airbus employee who disappeared in December 2023, has renewed their appeal for witnesses. Courcoux vanished after leaving work, and despite extensive searches and investigations, no trace of him has been found. His family remains hopeful for new leads, emphasizing the emotional toll the year-long search has taken on them. They continue to urge anyone with information to come forward, as they seek closure in a case that has left them in a state of uncertainty.
