A memorial event dedicated to the Khojaly tragedy was held at the Institute of Molecular Biology, MSE. Within the framework of the event, participants first visited the “Mother’s Cry” monument, where flowers were laid in front of the memorial and the cherished memory of the victims was honored with deep respect.

The event then continued in the institute’s assembly hall. The participants observed a minute of silence in memory of the Khojaly victims. Opening the meeting with an introductory speech, Acting Director of the Institute, Academician Irada Huseynova, provided detailed information about the Khojaly tragedy that occurred on the night of February 25–26, 1992. It was noted that as a result of the Khojaly genocide, hundreds of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, were brutally killed; 8 families were completely wiped out; 25 children lost both parents, 130 children lost one parent; thousands of people were injured or taken hostage. It was emphasized that this tragedy has gone down in history as one of the gravest humanitarian crimes of the 20th century and has left an indelible mark on the memory of the Azerbaijani people.

National Leader Heydar Aliyev ensured that the Khojaly genocide was given a political and legal assessment at the state level for the first time, declared February 26 as the “Day of the Khojaly Genocide,” and laid the foundation for a systematic policy aimed at informing the international community about these events. President Ilham Aliyev, the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, has consistently continued this policy by carrying out purposeful and successful diplomatic activities to promote the recognition of the Khojaly truth at the international level, ensuring that it is acknowledged by a number of countries and organizations as an act of genocide or mass massacre, and restoring historical justice.

In her speech, Academician Irada Huseynova also addressed the reconstruction and restoration processes implemented during the post-conflict period, alongside the historical and political assessment of the Khojaly tragedy. It was emphasized that as a result of the full restoration of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan, large-scale reconstruction and rebuilding works are being carried out in the liberated territories, modern infrastructure projects are being implemented, and the phased and safe return of former internally displaced persons, including residents of Khojaly, to their native lands is being ensured. It was noted that this process represents a real manifestation of the restoration of historical justice and the greatest expression of respect for the souls of the Khojaly martyrs.

Then, corresponding members of ANAS Ibrahim Azizov and Panah Muradov, Doctors of Philosophy in Biology, Associate Professors Rasim Aslanov, Alamdar Mammadov, Aygun Gasimova, PhD in Biology Agil Ahmadli, researchers Matanat Bakhishova, Gunay Ismayilova, and junior researcher Elnara Sadigova delivered speeches. They spoke about the importance of perpetuating the memory of the Khojaly victims, touched upon the historical and political aspects of the tragedy, and emphasized the significant role of such memorial events in fostering patriotism among the younger generation.

A video dedicated to the cherished memory of the Khojaly martyrs was screened at the event.