DAYS OF SORROW
Azerbaijani, Turkish disaporas stage Khojaly commemoration rally outside Finnish parliament
Helsinki, February 23 (AZERTAC). Azerbaijani and Turkish diasporas in Finland have stage a rally in front of the country`s parliament in Helsinki to commemorate victims of the Khojaly genocide, a massacre that saw brutal murder of hundreds of Azerbaijani civilians in the town of Khojaly by the Armenians 22 years ago.
Held as part of the Justice for Khojaly campaign, the rally was organized by the Finland-Azerbaijan Friendship Society, and involved members of Azerbaijani and Turkish diaspora organizations, Azerbaijani students and members of Helsinki`s general public.
The rally participants held “Justice for Khojaly” banners as well as Azerbaijani and Turkish flags.
Chairperson of the Finland-Azerbaijan Friendship Society Tarana Nazarova made a speech to call the Khojaly genocide “the most brutal crime against humanity committed by the Armenians”.
She urged the international community to condemn “this terror act”.
The rally protesters observed a minute`s silence for the victims of the Khojaly genocide.
Other speakers at the rally included chairman of “EU-AZ” Culture Association, artist Chingiz Abbasov, members of the Youth Organization under the Finland-Azerbaijan Friendship Society Esmira Rzayeva and Ulkar Aghayeva.
Chairman of the Turkish diaspora organization Engir Uludamar said: “The Turks have been subjected to many terror acts throughout history. The last one was committed in Khojaly 22 years ago. Unfortunately, the international community has not yet made a proper judgment on this crime.”
The rally participants signed a Khojaly petition, which was sent to Finland`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and parliament.
Meanwhile, prayers were said for the victims of the Khojaly genocide as Muslims gathered at a Tatar mosque in Helsinki.