[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E34-E35]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              COMMEMORATING AZERBAIJAN'S ``BLACK JANUARY''

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 15, 2025

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 35th 
anniversary of the ``Black January'' killings, one of the most tragic 
events in Azerbaijan's history.
  On the night of January 20, 1990, approximately 26,000 Soviet troops 
stormed Azerbaijan's capital city of Baku in tanks and armored 
vehicles. The Soviet military bulldozed innocent Azerbaijanis and 
opened fire indiscriminately on peaceful demonstrators, including women 
and children. As a result of these merciless acts, 147 people were 
killed, about 800 were injured, 841 were arrested, and five went 
missing.
  The Human Rights Watch report ``Black January in Azerbaijan'' states 
that ``among the most heinous violations of human rights during the 
Baku incursion were the numerous attacks on medical personnel, 
ambulances, and even hospitals.'' I offer my thoughts and prayers to 
the families of the victims and to those who gave their lives to help 
their fellow citizens.

[[Page E35]]

  The United States was one of the first countries to recognize 
independence and fully established diplomatic relations on February 28, 
1992. Today, the United States and Azerbaijan are still strategic 
allies and share common interests in the region and globally.
  As the co-chairman of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, I urge my 
colleagues to recognize the sacrifices of the Azerbaijani people in 
their steps towards independence and encourage a recommitment to the 
democratic values for which many Azerbaijanis sacrificed their lives.

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