Azerbaijan, Baku, 20 Jnauary / corr Trend K.Ramazanova / The victims of the 20th January tragedy were commemorated with a monute of silence in Azerbaian. Automobiles and vessle standing in the Bauk bay gave the signal during the minute.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and hundreds of Azerbaijanis, representatives of diplomatic corps have paid a tribute at the Cemetery of Martyrs on the National Morning Day on 20 January to commemorate the national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the liberation and independence of the country.
On 20 January 1990 at 00:20 the Soviet Army comprised of 20,000 soldiers was brought to Baku without announcement of emergency situation. As a result of cruel actions with respect to the civilians who went out to protest against the violation of the Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, unfair and biased policy by the USSR leadership with respect to the people of Azerbaijan, 131 people were killed. The victims were 117 Azerbaijanis, 6 Russians, 3 Jews and 3 Tatars. Some 744 people suffered injuries, 4 were missed and 400 were arrested. After the issuing the emergency situation on 20 January 21 people more were killed. The victims in Neftchala and Lankaran Districts numbered 25-26 people.