Father of slain Azerbaijani embassy guard says justice has been served After Attacker’s Execution in Iran

The father of Orkhan Asgarov, the Azerbaijani embassy security chief killed during a deadly attack in Tehran last year, has spoken out following the execution of his son’s killer in Iran. 

"It is important to me that the murderer of my son receives the punishment he deserves. He has received his punishment," Caliber.Az quotes Rizvan Asgarov as saying, per local media.

Asgarov conveyed his sincere gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan, expressing thanks on behalf of his entire family to the head of state.

The attacker, Iranian citizen Yasin Hosseinzadeh, was executed on the morning of May 21, according to reports from Iranian media. Asgarov said he had hoped to be present for the execution but was unable to travel due to Azerbaijani laws prohibiting citizens from witnessing executions abroad.

“Initially, the Iranian side said the presence of a parent was important. I wanted to take part,” he explained. “But since the death penalty is banned in Azerbaijan, our citizens are not allowed to travel for this purpose. Instead, we authorised our lawyer to attend. A representative from our embassy was also present.”

A deadly embassy attack

The attack took place on January 27, 2023, when Hosseinzadeh forced his way into the Azerbaijani embassy compound in Tehran, armed with a Kalashnikov rifle. He opened fire on diplomatic staff, killing Orkhan Asgarov and injuring two other employees — Vasif Taghiyev and Mahir Imanov.

The incident shocked Azerbaijan and prompted immediate action. Embassy staff were evacuated from Iran, and Azerbaijan temporarily closed its diplomatic mission in Tehran.

Iranian authorities initially claimed the motive behind the assault was personal. However, Baku classified the incident as a terrorist act. After legal proceedings, Iran’s Supreme Court upheld a death sentence for Hosseinzadeh, which was carried out nearly 16 months after the attack.

National recognition and ongoing tensions

Following the attack, the Azerbaijani government honoured the victims for their service. President Ilham Aliyev awarded Orkhan Asgarov the “For the Motherland” medal posthumously. Vasif Taghiyev received the First Class “Courage” Order, while Mahir Imanov was also awarded the “For the Motherland” medal. Asgarov was buried with military honours at the Second Alley of Martyrs in Baku.

By Aghakazim Guliyev