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Recognizing the 35th Anniversary of Black January

Floor Speech

Date: Jan. 15, 2025
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, this month, our friend and partner, the Republic of Azerbaijan marks the 35th anniversary of ``Black January.''

This period symbolizes the beginning of the end of Soviet rule over Azerbaijan, an occupation that lasted for much of the 20th Century. This was a time of oppression and horror. But uncowed by the evil of communism, the people of Azerbaijan yearned for freedom.

On January 19, 1990, violence erupted in Azerbaijan's capital city of Baku where Soviet troops killed over 100 Azeri demonstrators and wounded another 700. Undeterred, the people of Azerbaijan continued their peaceful protests until declaring independence from the U.S.S.R. on October 18, 1991.

I ask my colleagues to join me in observing the events of Black January in Azerbaijan and honoring those who lost their lives in pursuit of freedom. The United States continues to stand with the people of Azerbaijan and their right to live free.

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