Armenian MP marks 37th anniversary of Sumgait pogroms

Opposition MP Tigran Abrahamyan took to Facebook on Friday to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the Sumgait pogroms, emphasizing that Azerbaijan’s genocidal policies remain unchanged.

"Thirty-seven years ago, on 27-29 February 1988, in response to the just and freedom-driven aspirations of the Artsakh Armenians, Azerbaijan carried out a series of atrocities against Armenians in the city of Sumgait. The crimes, in their scale, nature and intent, fully met the definition of genocide," he wrote.

"Criminal gangs, including released prisoners, were organized and provided with the addresses of Armenian residents in Sumgait. Organized groups were sent into Armenian neighborhoods and residential areas. The perpetrators were armed in advance with metal rods, many carried weapons and some were under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

"For several days, Armenians in Sumgait were murdered, burned alive, tortured, raped and brutally assaulted. Armenian-owned property, including homes and businesses, was destroyed. Up to 20,000 Armenians were forcibly displaced.

"The years since have only reaffirmed that Azerbaijan’s genocidal intent remains unchanged. Their actions against Armenians continue to follow the same inhumane path and pursue the same objectives. The only way to deter them is to build a strong, developed and competitive state," the MP emphasized.