Nagorno-Karabakh pays tribute to Armenian Officer Gurgen Margaryan, murdered in Hungary

Today, Stepanakert hosted a march of youth, dedicated to the birthday of Officer Gurgen Margaryan, murdered in Hungary. On the day, he would celebrate his 34th birthday.

Let us remind you that on February 19, 2004, during the NATO training courses, held in Hungary, Officer Gurgen Margaryan was hacked to death in his sleep by Azerbaijani officer Ramil Safarov.

The march was started at 03:00 p.m., after the Church of Saint Akop held a requiem for the repose of the soul of Gurgen Margaryan. Along the main avenue of Stepanakert, participants of the procession went to the Memorial complex, where they held a rally, culminating in burning of flag of Azerbaijan.

Representatives of youth organizations, students and schoolchildren carried posters reading: "Criminal should be punished", "Hungary plus Azerbaijan equals to axe policy", "We demand justice for Gurgen Margaryan", "Criminal should be returned to prison in Hungary", "Ramil Safarov is sneaky killer".

The event was initiated by the public organization "Kamk" (Will) and the youth initiative group "Artsakhakertum" with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs. According to the organizers, the march was attended by more than 2000 young persons.

"The march was organized not only to pay tribute to the memory of Gurgen Margaryan. It is also our protest to the authorities of Azerbaijan," said Artak Beglaryan, Chairman of the public organization "Kamk" (Will).

The activist has emphasized that the participants of the protest action demand to punish not only Safarov, but also all the persons in Azerbaijan, who contributed to his extradition and release. According to Artak Beglaryan, Hungary also bears a responsibility for the situation; however, "much of the fault lies on the authorities of Azerbaijan."