Azerbaijan honours martyr two years after Tehran embassy attack Perpetrator Sentenced to Death

Today marks the second anniversary of the tragic terrorist attack on the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Iran, which occurred on January 27, 2023. 

The attack took place at approximately 08:30 AM Baku time, when a heavily armed assailant stormed the embassy premises in Tehran, Caliber.Az reports.

Armed with an AK-47 rifle, the attacker breached the embassy’s security post and killed the head of security, Orkhan Asgarov.

Two other security staff members, Vasif Taghiyev and Mahir Imanov, sustained injuries while attempting to prevent the attack.

Asgarov was laid to rest at the II Alley of Martyrs in Baku. By order of the President of Azerbaijan, Asgarov was posthumously awarded the "For the Homeland" medal on February 3, 2023. Taghiyev received the "Rashadat" Order of the First Degree, while Imanov was awarded the "For the Homeland" medal in recognition of their bravery.

The perpetrator, Yasin Huseynzada, was apprehended following the attack.

In the wake of the assault, the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran suspended its operations. On January 29, 2023, embassy staff, along with their families, were evacuated from Tehran to Baku. A total of 53 individuals returned to Azerbaijan.

Following extensive negotiations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Azerbaijani embassy resumed operations on July 15, 2024, relocating to a new address.

The General Prosecutor’s Office of Azerbaijan has been closely monitoring the criminal investigation into the incident, maintaining regular communication with the Iranian authorities.

The trial of Yasin Huseynzada, the individual responsible for the attack, has lasted for two years. The Iranian Ministry of Justice announced that Huseynzada was sentenced to death. The Supreme Court of Iran upheld the death sentence, and the case was forwarded to Tehran for execution. However, the implementation of the sentence has been delayed.

“We will continue to closely follow the case and ensure that justice is served,” a representative from the Azerbaijani Prosecutor’s Office commented.

Azerbaijan remains steadfast in its commitment to holding those responsible for this heinous act accountable while working with Iran to strengthen diplomatic relations and ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.

By Aghakazim Guliyev