The Ministry of Energy held remembrance of 36th anniversary of January 20 tragedy

Azerbaijan's Ministry of Energy held a commemoration in honor of the 36th anniversary of the January 20 tragedy, a defining chapter in the Azerbaijani people’s struggle for independence and sovereignty in the history

The event began with a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs. Deputy Energy Minister Samir Valiyev stressed that the events of January 20, which are the culmination of the tension unleashed against the background of attempts to merge Karabakh with Armenia, are recorded in history as a serious crime against the Azerbaijani people. It was noted that in January 1990, troops sent to Baku under orders from the Soviet leadership committed unprecedented violence against civilians, ending the lives of innocent people. This bloody event profoundly influenced the formation of national identity and strengthened the ideals of freedom and independence. The event highlighted that the first political and legal assessment of the tragedy was made by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who condemned the Soviet military deployment in Baku as a grave crime and demanded accountability for those responsible.

It was also noted that President Ilham Aliyev continues to honor the memory of the victims, ensuring ongoing social protection for the families of martyrs and the disabled.

The event continued with speeches by other speakers. It was specifically noted that the historic Victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War once again proved that the blood of all our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for independence and freedom, including the martyrs of 20 January, was not in vain. Strengthening social protection for martyrs’ families, ensuring sustainable national development, and restoring liberated territories are seen as the continuation of this sacred legacy.

Subsequently, a video dedicated to 20 January was demonstrated.