Nationwide march to commemorate Khojaly genocide held in Baku

A nationwide march was held in Baku today to commemorate the 27th anniversary of Khojaly genocide. The march was attended by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, First-Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva and family members.

The nationwide march, which involved ten thousands of people, was intended to draw the world community's attention to this crime against humanity committed by the Armenian nationalist illegal armed groups, to pay tribute to victims of Khojaly tragedy.

With President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President, first lady Mehriban Aliyeva in the front row, the marchers started moving from the Azadlyg Square in the direction of the Khojaly memorial in Khatai district.

Thousands of young people gathered along the avenues and streets that the marchers are moving. They hold portraits of innocent victims of the bloody event – slaughtered children, women and elders – photos depicting abominable scenes of slaughter, placards demanding to bring to account and punish perpetrators of the tragedy and to recognize this genocide at an international level, as well as placards with names and surnames of victims. 

'The world must recognize Khojaly genocide', 'Justice for Khojaly', 'Do not forget Khojaly', 'No to Armenian fascism', 'Khojaly genocide -27' and other slogans are displayed on large monitors along the streets, and on placards on building walls and balconies.

A ceremonial guard of honor was lined up around the memorial. President Ilham Aliyev put a wreath at the memorial and paid tribute to Khojaly victims. First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, Prime Minister Novruz Mammadov, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Ogtay Asadov, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, Arzu Aliyeva laid flowers at the monument.

State and government officials, members of the Milli Majlis, ministers, heads of committees and companies, representatives of the diplomatic corps, heads of religious confessions, as well as Khojaly genocide survivors also placed flowers at the memorial.

Later, Ilham Aliyev was interviewed by Rossiya-24 TV channel`s correspondent.