Black January atrocity sparks renewed push to revoke Gorbachev’s Nobel Peace Prize Azerbaijani intellectuals send letter to Jørgen Watne Frydnes

In a significant move, Azerbaijani intellectuals have called on the Norwegian Nobel Committee to revoke Mikhail Gorbachev's Nobel Peace Prize, awarded in 1990.

The demand was made during a videoconference held in Sweden, organized by Saadat Kerimi, chairwoman of the Gobustan Society of Azerbaijani Intellectuals, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The virtual event brought together more than 100 participants, including members of the organization, activists, relatives of the January 20 martyrs, and veterans of the Karabakh war.

The participants unanimously adopted a resolution addressed to Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chairman of the Nobel Committee, and other committee members. The open letter challenges the legitimacy of awarding the prestigious prize to Gorbachev, citing his role in the tragic events of January 20, 1990, known as Black January.

The resolution emphasizes that Gorbachev bears primary responsibility for the tragedy, as he ordered Soviet troops to enter Baku and other Azerbaijani regions. The military invasion led to a massacre of civilians, resulting in the deaths of 150 people, with hundreds more wounded and arrested.

The letter urges the Nobel Committee to revoke Gorbachev's prize, arguing that such a move would restore historical justice, honour the memory of the victims, and reaffirm the committee’s commitment to its moral authority. The document highlights the importance of upholding the fundamental values upon which the Nobel Prize is based, stressing that such recognition should not be associated with figures linked to human rights violations.

The tragedy of January 20 is described in the resolution as a crime not only against the Azerbaijani people but also against humanity as a whole. The letter underscores violations of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international legal standards during the events, further strengthening the argument for reconsidering Gorbachev's award.

The participants believe that revoking the Nobel Peace Prize would be a symbolic step demonstrating the Nobel Committee’s respect for the Azerbaijani people and its dedication to universal justice. The resolution reflects a collective desire to ensure accountability for one of the darkest chapters in Azerbaijan’s modern history.

By Tamilla Hasanova