BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) – Security officials in Azerbaijan (ah-zur-by-JAHN’ ) say 15 people convicted of treason there had spied for Iran against the U.S., Britain and Israel.
The National Security Ministry says the 15 provided Iranian intelligence with information on Western embassies, companies, pipeline operations and employees operating in the former Soviet republic.
The Court for Grave Crimes sentenced them to lengthy prison sentences in a case that highlights Azerbaijan’s concern over the influence of neighboring Iran.
The 15 were arrested last January on suspicion of crimes including treason, plotting to forcefully seize power, organizing a criminal group, possession of weapons and drugs, and counterfeiting.
The predominantly Muslim Azerbaijan has increasingly been caught in a tug-of-war between Iran and the democratic West. Its secular government has displayed concern over Iran’s influence and Islamic extremism.
