Victims of Khojaly genocide commemorated in South Africa
Baku, February 25, AZERTAC
On February 24, the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in South Africa held a ceremony to mark the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide.
The event began with a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the tragedy.
Addressing the participants, Huseyn Rahimli, Chargé d’Affaires of the Azerbaijani Embassy, recalled that on the night of February 25–26, 1992, Armenian forces, with the assistance of the former USSR’s 366th Motorized Rifle Regiment, committed the Khojaly genocide, killing 613 civilians, including 106 women, 63 children, and 70 elderly people. He described the massacre as a systematic act of ethnic violence, part of Armenia’s broader policy of intolerance and cruelty against Azerbaijanis.
Rahimli emphasized that an objective political and legal assessment of the Khojaly tragedy was advanced by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and later continued by President Ilham Aliyev, who restored Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. He highlighted that the liberation of Khojaly and the ongoing prosecution of war criminals represent historical justice, and the reconstruction of liberated territories, including the return of displaced families and restoration of infrastructure, honors the memory of the victims.
The ambassador also underscored the role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, led by First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, in raising global awareness of the Khojaly genocide. He noted the success of the international campaign “Justice for Khojaly!”, initiated by Leyla Aliyeva, which continues to educate the world about this atrocity.
The event concluded with participants viewing a photo exhibition and materials documenting the atrocities committed during the Khojaly genocide. Rahimli stressed that Azerbaijan continues to honor the memory of the victims and heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and territorial integrity.
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