Azerbaijan fired back on Friday against French criticism of its treatment of media and civil society. France had expressed "deep concern" over recent arrests targeting these groups.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry called the French remarks "unfounded and biased statements" and an unwelcome intrusion into the country's internal affairs. The Ministry defended its record on human rights, claiming fundamental freedoms are fully guaranteed, including freedom of the press.

The back-and-forth comes after France urged Azerbaijan to respect freedom of expression and release those recently detained. Azerbaijan countered by accusing France of its own human rights issues, citing alleged police brutality against protestors, corruption, and Islamophobia.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions between Azerbaijan and the international community regarding its press freedom record. (ILKHA)