Azerbaijan: Disruptions during January 20 commemorative events in Baku

Event

The 29th anniversary of the military crackdown known as "Black January" will be commemorated in Baku on Sunday, January 20, accompanied by various events and localized disruptions. Road closures will be implemented across central Baku, accompanied by a heightened security presence, including on Parliament Avenue and Abbasgulu Abbaszadeh Street. Various conferences, lectures, and film screenings are planned over the weekend, and a nationwide minute of silence will be observed at 12:00 (local time) on Sunday. An increased security presence is to be anticipated surrounding associated events.

Context

Black January refers to a 1990 military crackdown in Baku by Soviet troops targeting the Azerbaijani independence movement. Up to 300 people are believed to have been killed in the violence.

Advice

Individuals in Baku are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate significant transportation disruptions, and avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public or on social media platforms.