Khankendi resident details violent hostility against Azerbaijanis in late 1980s During court hearing

On April 11, during a session at the Baku Military Court, Nazeyka Atakishiyeva, a victim of the atrocities committed during the conflict in the Karabakh region, provided key testimony regarding the hardships faced by Azerbaijanis in Khankendi during the late 1980s.

Born in 1954 in Khankendi, Atakishiyeva described the hostile environment towards Azerbaijanis in the city, particularly after February 1988, when the situation significantly deteriorated. She noted that the attitude of the Armenian population towards Azerbaijanis worsened, leading to violent incidents, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Atakishiyeva recalled her time working at the Karabakh Silk Factory in Khankendi, where she was employed as a weaver. She stated that Robert Kocharyan, later a notorious Armenian political leader, had been responsible for overseeing the lubrication of the factory's machines before rising to the role of Komsomol secretary. She identified him as a key figure in organizing anti-Azerbaijani actions.

"Starting from February 1988, when we left work, bearded men would be waiting for us. They were not from Khankendi," Atakishiyeva testified, highlighting the growing intimidation faced by Azerbaijanis in the region.

The victim further recounted instances of violence, including her house being pelted with stones by Armenians, and enduring verbal abuse. "They would knock on our door and curse, telling us to leave because they would live here," she shared, emphasizing the terror faced by her and other Azerbaijani families.

In February 1988, Atakishiyeva's home was looted and destroyed, prompting her family to flee to Agdam for safety. This marked the beginning of a difficult period for Atakishiyeva and many others who were forced to abandon their homes amid escalating violence.

Atakishiyeva's testimony comes as part of the ongoing trial of several Armenian citizens accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and other offenses, including genocide, violations of the laws of war, terrorism, and the forcible seizure of power. The trial continues as the judicial process seeks justice for the victims of these grave crimes.

By Vugar Khalilov