Azerbaijan pursues justice: 18 wanted for Baghanis Ayrim genocide

In a determined effort to hold accountable those responsible for the heinous genocide in the village of Baghanis Ayrim, the Military Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan has announced the pursuit of justice.

Senior Assistant Firad Aliyev, head of the press service of the Military Prosecutor's Office, revealed that 18 individuals have been identified as perpetrators of crimes against peace and humanity in this episode of genocide, Caliber.Az reports, citing APA.

According to Aliyev, these individuals have been formally charged under Articles 103 (Genocide) and 107 (Deportation or forced transfer of the population) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Court decisions have been issued regarding their involvement in these grave offences, with preventive measures of arrest ordered.

In a concerted effort to bring these individuals to justice, documents detailing their charges and arrest warrants have been forwarded to the National Bureau of Interpol in Azerbaijan and the General Criminal Investigation Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This coordinated approach aims to facilitate their apprehension and extradition to face trial for their crimes.

Under the supervision of Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev, comprehensive investigative and operational measures are currently underway. The commitment to ensuring accountability for those who committed atrocities against peace and humanity is resolute, with the assurance that justice will prevail.

Today marks the solemn commemoration of the Baghanis Ayrim genocide, a tragic event etched in the annals of Azerbaijani history. Thirty-four years ago, on March 24, 1990, the peaceful village of Baghanis-Ayrim in the Gazakh district fell victim to a heinous assault perpetrated by illegal Armenian armed groups.

At approximately 8:00 am, marauding militants launched a vicious attack on the village, targeting innocent Azerbaijani civilians with a barrage of gunfire and explosives. Armed with heavy weaponry and combat vehicles, they mercilessly fired upon the populace, both on the streets and within their homes.

The brutality of the assault knew no bounds, as the attackers inflicted unimaginable torture upon their victims. Tragically, ten individuals, including three women and a helpless 39-day-old infant, fell victim to the senseless violence, succumbing to their injuries amidst the chaos. Additionally, two others sustained varying degrees of injury, further highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attack.

Amidst the bloodshed, the perpetrators spared no mercy, ransacking and setting ablaze twelve residential properties. Moreover, a staggering 438 villagers were forcibly evicted from their homes, deprived of their rightful dwellings without any legal justification, in clear violation of international legal norms and Azerbaijani laws.