In Azerbaijan, victims of the January 20 Massacre, known as "Black January" and a symbol of the nation's independence, are being commemorated.
Azerbaijanis flocked to the Martyrs' Lane in Baku to honor those who lost their lives in the 1990 massacre. Long lines formed in front of the memorial, red carnations were placed on graves, and prayers were offered for the fallen.
At 12:00 local time, a one-minute moment of silence was observed for all martyrs, during which ships along the Caspian Sea, metro trains, and buses sounded their horns in tribute.
In a statement marking January 20, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the 1990 events as an attempt to suppress the legitimate aspirations of the Azerbaijani people for freedom, national dignity, and sovereignty.
The ministry emphasized that the violence failed to break the will of the people and instead strengthened Azerbaijanis' determination to restore independence and fully exercise their sovereign rights. The sacrifice of the January 20 martyrs was highlighted as a key factor in Azerbaijan regaining independence in 1991.
Azerbaijan's Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva, also issued a statement stressing the need for a thorough and objective investigation of the January 20 tragedy under international law, recognizing the events as crimes against humanity, and holding accountable not only the perpetrators but all responsible decision-makers.
She called on international organizations, particularly relevant UN bodies, to adopt a principled stance and cooperate to ensure justice and grant the massacre its appropriate international legal status.
In early 1990, thousands of Azerbaijanis gathered in Baku's Freedom Square to protest increasing Armenian territorial claims and express their opposition to Soviet rule.
On January 20, a 26,000-strong Soviet army entered different parts of Baku to disperse the demonstrators, killing 150 civilians, including women and children, and injuring hundreds more.
The martyrs were buried at what is today called Martyrs' Lane, amid the tears of hundreds of thousands of mourners and red carnations.
For 36 years, Azerbaijanis have flocked to the Martyrs' Lane every January 20, holding red carnations, which have become a symbol of the victims.
The martyrs were buried at what is today called Martyrs' Lane, amid the tears of hundreds of thousands of mourners and red carnations.
For 36 years, Azerbaijanis have flocked to the Martyrs' Lane every January 20, holding red carnations, which have become a symbol of the victims.
