Khojaly genocide: Tragic legacy of impunity, call for global recognition Article By Pakistani media

Pakistan-based newspaper The Daily Times has published an article shedding light on the Khojaly tragedy. Caliber.Az offers its readers an analysed version of the piece, providing an in-depth look at the events surrounding one of the most heartbreaking chapters in modern history.

The article reflects on the 33rd anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, a tragic and brutal chapter in the history of Azerbaijan. The piece highlights the atrocities committed by Armenia against Azerbaijani civilians during the military aggression and occupation of Azerbaijan's territories, with a particular focus on the horrific events that unfolded in Khojaly.

The article begins by emphasizing the scale and brutality of the Khojaly massacre, committed on the night of February 25-26, 1992, during Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijani territories. It outlines the sequence of events leading to the massacre, including the siege and isolation of Khojaly, where ground traffic and energy supply were cut off for months before the attack. The military aggression, supported by the former USSR’s 366th Motorized Rifle Regiment, resulted in the death of 613 Azerbaijani civilians, including 63 children, 106 women, and 70 elderly citizens.

The article also emphasizes the tragic fate of children who lost one or both parents and the uncertainty surrounding the fate of many prisoners and hostages.

The article goes on to point out the deliberate and calculated nature of the massacre, referencing the use of heavy weaponry against a city of civilians with no military necessity. Eyewitness accounts, along with testimonies and confessions from Armenian officials such as Serzh Sargsyan, the former Defence Minister and President of Armenia, are presented as evidence that the Khojaly massacre was not an accident but rather a planned act of genocide. Sargsyan's quote, “Before Khojaly, the Azerbaijanis thought that … the Armenians were people who could not raise their hand against the civilian population. We were able to break that [stereotype]” lives no room for doubt that the massacre committed was not an accident, but a deliberate crime of genocide planned by Armenia and carried out by its subordinate forces.

The article argues that the Khojaly genocide constitutes a gross violation of international humanitarian law and human rights, particularly the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It asserts that Armenia’s actions in Khojaly, along with other crimes against Azerbaijanis, amount to crimes against humanity.

The piece underscores the failure of the international community to hold Armenia accountable for these violations, contributing to a climate of impunity that has allowed Armenia to continue committing war crimes in subsequent conflicts, such as the 44-day Patriotic War. This continued failure to address the historical and ongoing crimes against Azerbaijanis is presented as a clear demonstration of the consequences of not bringing perpetrators of genocide and crimes against humanity to justice.

Another key element of the article is the assertion that the impunity enjoyed by Armenia has allowed it to persist in its aggression, further victimizing Azerbaijani civilians in regions like Ganja, Barda, and Tartar during more recent conflicts. The piece calls for greater international cooperation to end this impunity and bring those responsible for these heinous acts to justice, highlighting the need for both national and international efforts to address these crimes.

The article also discusses Azerbaijan’s progress in regaining control over its occupied territories, including Khojaly, and the symbolic significance of raising the Azerbaijani flag over the town. The liberation of Khojaly is framed as a powerful symbol of the resilience, strength, and solidarity of the Azerbaijani people, as well as a tribute to the victims of the Khojaly genocide.

In conclusion, the article emphasizes that Azerbaijan remains committed to pursuing justice for the victims of Armenia's genocidal actions, both at the national level and through international legal frameworks. The people of Azerbaijan, on this 33rd anniversary of the tragedy, continue to honor the memories of the innocent victims and demand accountability for the crimes committed against them.

The article captures the profound emotional and political weight of the Khojaly tragedy, while also calling for global recognition of the massacre as an act of genocide. It highlights the need for continued efforts to secure justice for the victims and prevent future atrocities.

By Vafa Guliyeva