Azernews.Az

The Azerbaijani embassy in Japan has conducted a series of events on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of the Khojaly genocide.

The photo exhibition was organized at the Embassy with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The exhibition showcases material on the Khojaly massacre prepared and sent to the Embassy by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The material includes IRS-ISAN magazine, brochures and books. Those visiting the embassy are informed about the genocide.

Also, the embassy sent publications and information to the Japanese parliament, government agencies, diplomatic missions in Japan as well as higher educational institutions and media.

Late into the night from February 25 to 26, 1992, the town of Khojaly, situated within the administrative borders of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, came under intensive fire from the towns of Khankendi and Askeran, already occupied by Armenian armed forces.

There were 3,000 people in the town when the Armenian military forces attacked, as the most part of the population had to leave town during 4-month blockade. The Armenian armed forces, supported by the ex-Soviet 366th regiment, completed the surrounding of the town already isolated due to ethnic cleansing of the Azerbaijani population of the neighboring regions. The joint forces occupied the town, which was ruined by heavy artillery shelling.

As many as 613 civilians mostly women and children were killed in the massacre, and a total of 1,000 people were disabled. Eight families were exterminated, 25 children lost both parents, and 130 children lost one parent.

Moreover, 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, and the fate of 150 of them remains unknown. Civilians were shot at close range, scalped, and burned alive. Some had their eyes gouged out and others were beheaded.