French graffiti artist Théo Clerc has been sentenced to three years in prison in Azerbaijan for spray-painting the Baku metro, an incident that has further strained diplomatic relations between France and Azerbaijan. Clerc was arrested in April alongside a New Zealander and an Australian after they defaced trains at the Bakmil metro station.

While Clerc's companions received fines of €3,620 each and were placed under house arrest, Clerc faced a harsher penalty, which many attribute to his French nationality amid deteriorating ties between Paris and Baku. On September 10, the Narimanov District Court convicted the trio of hooliganism and property damage. Despite Clerc having already paid fines and compensation, the court imposed a three-year sentence, citing significant consequences, including the temporary suspension of train services.

Prior to the sentencing, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory, warning citizens about potential risks in Azerbaijan, including arbitrary detention. Clerc, who has been in pre-trial detention since April, maintains his innocence, claiming he did not intend to cause harm and was unaware his actions could lead to legal consequences.

Clerc’s lawyer, Elchin Sadigov, highlighted the disparity in sentencing, suggesting that Clerc's French identity influenced the severity of the punishment. In a poignant appeal, Clerc described himself as a peaceful artist rather than a criminal and expressed distress over his situation.

The French government's support for Armenia in its conflicts with Azerbaijan, including arms sales and criticism of Baku's actions in Nagorno-Karabakh, has exacerbated tensions. A French diplomatic source indicated that Clerc's nationality likely played a role in his sentence, although France's influence over the matter is limited.

Azerbaijani authorities have dismissed France's concerns as unfounded, urging Paris to stop its "defamatory campaign" against Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, Clerc's companions expressed surprise at the harsh penalties, noting they had engaged in similar activities in other countries without facing legal repercussions. The case continues to attract international attention as Clerc and his companions prepare to appeal their sentences.

Sayart / Amia Nguyen, amyngwyen13@gmail.com