The memory of the victims of Black January is unforgettable

January 20, 1990 will forever remain one of the most tragic pages in the history of Azerbaijan. Black January… This is how the Azerbaijani people, faced with unprecedented cruelty and injustice, but demonstrating incredible moral strength and determination to restore justice, stood up to the armed forces.

On the night of January 20, hundreds of tanks and armored personnel carriers entered Baku, destroying everything in their path. Armed soldiers opened fire on unarmed people, including the elderly, women, and children. As a result of the bloody military intervention in the Azerbaijani capital, more than 140 people were killed, hundreds were injured, and there were missing. Those who fell under the bullets were not only those who were trying to defend their lands, but also those who happened to be on the streets of the city at that time, those who were walking or driving home, or simply looking out of the window of their apartment… This tragedy did not bypass our family. My 39-year-old uncle Shamsaddin Orujov lost his life from a bullet wound he received while looking out the window of his house, he became a martyr.

On Black January, the Soviet Army, receiving orders from the central leadership of the USSR, intervened militarily not only in Baku, but also in other regions of the republic. Officially, this was justified by the “need to suppress mass unrest and prevent interethnic conflicts.” However, in reality, the military intervention led to the mass killing of civilians who demanded the establishment of justice, the protection of their rights, and the restoration of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

This tragedy caused deep sadness and anger not only in Azerbaijan, but throughout the world. The incident once again demonstrated the readiness of the Soviet government, represented by the hated Gorbachev and his gang, to resort to any kind of cruelty to suppress the people’s struggle for freedom. However, Black January was a turning point in the history of Azerbaijan. This tragedy further strengthened the people’s determination to fight for their independence and national identity.

The memory of the victims of the January 20 tragedy, which is of exceptional importance for the preservation of our unity, independence, and national dignity, lives forever in the memory of our people. Their sacrifice is unforgettable. An independent and prosperous Azerbaijan is the best proof that the struggle for the ideals of freedom and justice, despite all obstacles and trials, will result in victory.

May God have mercy on our martyrs!

Azer Asgarov