Thirty-three years have passed since the bloody 20 January tragedy. On 20 January – National Mourning Day, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the Alley of Martyrs on the 33rd anniversary of the bloodshed which was committed by the Soviet empire in Baku.

The head of state paid tribute to those who gave their lives for the country’s freedom.

President Ilham Aliyev laid a wreath at the “Eternal Flame” monument.

The national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played.

33 years have passed since the events of Bloody January. January 20, 1990 entered the modern history of Azerbaijan as one of the most tragic days, at the same time, as a heroic page of our people, and became a symbol of the struggle for national independence and freedom and invincible will. Our people, subjected to the punitive measures of the former Soviet army did not lose their determination for freedom, on the contrary, they declared their voice of truth louder. Exactly 33 years ago, the patriotic children of Azerbaijan, who valued the freedom, honor and dignity of their homeland and people above all else, died on that terrible night and rose to the peak of martyrdom. Despite the fact that many years have passed since the bloody massacre of Soviet troops in Azerbaijan, our people do not forget the pain of those terrible days and express their deep hatred for the former leaders of the Soviet empire and their servants in Azerbaijan.

The introduction of large military formations of the Soviet army against the large masses of the people who stood up as a sign of protest against the biased, pro-Armenian policy of the former USSR leadership against Azerbaijan, the open support of the aggressor Armenia, which claims our ancient lands, and the treacherous position of the then leadership of the republic, led to an unprecedented tragedy in Azerbaijan, especially in Baku. İt resulted in huge losses and the death of innocent people. As if the incompetent, slavishly psychological leaders of Azerbaijan, who did not see this, did not have the courage to unite with the people .

Unlike them, Heydar Aliyev, the genius son of our people who lived in Moscow at that time, put his life in danger and came to the permanent representation of Azerbaijan the day after the tragedy. With this, the Great Leader once again proved his courage and bravery, and that he is a loyal son of his people.

In fact, this crime committed by the fatwa of Armenians could not break the will of the Azerbaijani people and extinguish their love for freedom. Our people got their wish - freedom and independence, even at the cost of their blood, and they will never give up this achievement.

After the national leader of our people, Heydar Aliyev, returned to the leadership of Azerbaijan, the events of January 20, 1994 were given a political and legal assessment and the names of the perpetrators were made public. January 20 was declared the National Day of Mourning.

Every year, the people of Azerbaijan commemorate the victims of the January 20 tragedy with deep respect. Just as the memory of the martyrs who died for the freedom of our country is always cherished, their family members and relatives are always surrounded by state care. Also, the social protection and pension provision of the disabled people who lost their health in the events of January 20 are always in the attention of the president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Regular measures were taken to ensure the social protection of the family members of January 20 martyrs and the disabled. An excellent legislative framework has been created for providing pensions to martyr families, improving housing conditions, and raising the standard of living. The head of our state issued orders and decrees in this direction. As a result of this, the social security of the families of martyrs is strengthened year by year.