- Azerbaijan State Oil Academy shooting
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Azerbaijan State Oil Academy shooting
Site of the shootingLocation Azerbaijan, Baku, Azerbaijan State Oil Academy Date Thursday, April 30, 2009, 9:30 a.m. AZT Attack type Shooting spree, mass murder, school shooting Weapon(s) Makarov PM Death(s) 13 (including the perpetrator) Injured 10 Perpetrator Farda Gadirov, Mardun Gumashyan (wanted by Interpol)[1] The Azerbaijan State Oil Academy shooting (Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan Dövlət Neft Akademiyasında terror hadisəsi) occurred on April 30, 2009 at the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy (ASOA), a public university in Baku. 12 people were killed (students and staff members including the Deputy Principal of the institution) by an armed assailant and several others were wounded. A joint statement by the Azerbaijan Interior Ministry and Prosecutor General's Office identified the perpetrator as 29-year-old Farda Gadirov, a Georgian citizen of Azerbaijani descent.[2] During investigation by Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan the involvement of Georgian citizen of Armenian descent Mardun Gumashyan was published[3] and is wanted by Interpol.[1]
Two buses of special forces had arrived at the scene.[4] According to Ehsan Zahidov, a spokesman for Interior Ministry, the special troops conducted an operation while people reportedly having been held hostage were released.[5] Three cartridge belts with capacity of forty and seventy one bullets along with two magazines were taken from Gadirov's body.[6]
Contents
The spree
Gadirov attacked the second building of the ASOA. First he killed a security guard and a cleaner as he entered the building, before opening fire on students and lecturers. Then while climbing from the first floor to the sixth, he shot people indiscriminately mainly in the head along the way. A witness said one student had tried to stop him but was also shot in the head.[7] A witness reported seeing two gunmen. Terrorism was suspected. The gunman barricaded himself in the Academy and police cordoned off the building.[8] 12 people were killed and 13 wounded. Gadirov then shot himself, when he saw the police were approaching. Police and paramedics soon arrived on the scene. The armed police cordoned off the building. All major routes to the university were blocked. Bodies were found all over the building. The injured were taken to ambulances stationed outside and evacuated to hospital. Most were soon in stable condition, but some were in critical condition and undergoing surgery. All students were evacuated and sent home.
However doubts over several details were expressed. Azeri military expert Uzeyir Jafarov said it is quite obscure to him the inexperienced assailant could kill and injure so many persons with a Makarov pistol. Jafarov outlined, that Gadirov was not a military person, but a civilian.[9]
Victims
According to Azeri Health Ministry, thirteen people were killed and ten wounded. Among wounded were two nationals of Sudan (Moustafa Mohammad, Amrouh Seyid Ahmad) and one of Syria (Daas Muawiya).[10] Three of the wounded were discharged from hospital shortly after the shooting.
A total of thirteen people were killed in the incident:[10][11][12]
- Emin Abdullayev, 20, student
- Ramiz Abdullayev, 69, Deputy Principal of ASOA and Chairman of the Faculty of Oil and Gas Production
- Jeyhun Aslanov, 21, student
- Tamella Azizova, 58, lecturer and researcher
- Ruslan Babashov, 19, student
- Ayaz Baghirov, 21, student
- Yusif Bandaliyev, 20, student
- Ayna Gurbanova, 52, cafeteria worker[13]
- Savalan Jabbarov, 22, student
- Taleh Mammadov, 21, student[14]
- Shafa Mammadova, 31, laboratory assistant
- Majnun Vahidov, 63, associate professor, playwright and chess composer
- Farda Gadirov, 28, gunman
The psychological aid was launched in Clinic Psychiatric Hospital #2, Neuropsychic Hospital and Children’s Neuropsychic Hospital. One thousand candles are planned to light in front of the university building in memory of the victims. The blood donation took place in Azerbaijani regions at initiative of the Health Ministry. A donation, held in Saatli, involved 230 people.[15]
Investigation
The criminal case was launched under article 120.2.2 (deliberate murder committed from hooligan prompting), 120.2.4 (deliberate murder committed with special cruelty or endangering the public), 120.2.7 (deliberate murder of two or more persons), article 29 (attempt to murder), article 228.1 (illegal purchase, transfer, selling, storage, transportation or carrying of fire-arms, accessories to it, supplies (except for the smooth-bore hunting weapon and ammunition to it), explosives) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.[10] According to the spokesman for the Prosecutor General Eldar Sultanov, Shirhan Nadir oglu Aliyev, a fellow-villager of Gadirov, was detained as a suspect. The criminal case launched against Farda Gadirov was dropped because of his suicide.[16] According to presidential order, direct financial assistances amounting to 30,000 manats were scheduled to be rendered to the families of killed persons, and 15,000 to the wounded from the president’s reserve fund.[17]
The parliament's Standing Human Rights Commission chair Rabiyyat Aslanova said that security must be increased in postsecondary institutions, but there is no need to amend any law to up security in them: "Higher schools have own regulations. The issue must be solved under the regulations".[18] Aslanova said that the cameras must be installed at the entrance to universities.[18] MP Fazil Mustafa told that it is impossible to check everybody, but serious dangers can be prevented.[18]
A morning ceremony began on Friday. The MPs, professors and students of ASOA, as well as the students of other country's universities, and the members of youth organizations attended the ceremony, which started early morning and continued until the night.[19] The participants laid red carnations and lit candles at the entrance and stairs of the Academy. The Irali Public Union joined the event with the slogan “No terror!”.[19] Roughly 2,000 students marched in Baku that day.[20] A mourning procession was also held by Azeri Americans in Washington.
Subsequently a Georgian citizen of Armenian origin Mardun Gumashyan was charged as the mastermind of the shooting.[21] Gumashyan is wanted by Interpol.[22] As stated in the indictment, Gumashyan was born in Georgian region of Marneuli in 1951.[21] He founded a criminal group, which embraced Farda Gadirov, Javidan Amirov, Nadir Aliyev and Najaf Suleymanov.[21] Gumashyan then struck a bargain with them to commit a terrorist attack. He offered them $50,000, paying $5,000 to Gadirov, who purchased a pistol and practiced to shoot.[21] The terrorist group arrived in Baku in March 2009.[21] The court hearing has been scheduled for April 21, 2010.[23]
Perpetrator
Farda Gadirov Background information Birth name Farda Asad oglu Gadirov Born December 8, 1980
Dashtapa, near Marneuli, GeorgiaDied April 30, 2009 (aged 28)
Baku, AzerbaijanCause of death Self-inflicted gunshot-wound to the head Killings Date April 30, 2009 Target(s) Azerbaijan State Oil Academy Location(s) Baku, Azerbaijan Killed 13 (including himself) Injured 10 Weapon(s) Makarov PM Farda Gadirov or Farda Asad oglu Gadirov (Azeri: Fərda Qədirov; Georgian: ფარდა გადიროვი); (born December 8, 1980 – April 30, 2009) was the Georgian spree killer of Azerbaijani descent involved in a university rampage.[24] He injured ten and killed twelve people, then committed suicide by shooting himself in the head.[24]
Farda Gadirov was born in the village of Dashtapa near Marneuli. He spent most of his life in Podolsk, Russia, after his uncle invited him to help him in business but for unknown reasons returned to Baku.[25] An official from his home village, Vidadi Hasanov, described Gadirov as an unsociable child, which rarely left his home during his brief return.[26] On April 30, 2009, Gadirov arrived at the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy in Baku and opened fire on students within the second building, killing thirteen people and wounding ten other people before turning his gun on himself and committed suicide, according to witnesses, authorities, and the autopsy report.[27]
International reaction
In the aftermath of the shootings, 15 countries and the European Union expressed condolences.
- Belarus – President Alexander Lukashenko in a letter to Ilham Aliyev expressed "deep condolences and sympathies to the families of the deceased".[28]
- Czech Republic The Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg offered deep condolence to the families of the tragic event victims: "The tragic loss of life and wounds of young people in the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy deeply saddened me" letter of condolence to Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said.[29]
- Estonia – Deputy chairman of the Estonian Parliament Kristiina Ojuland expressed the condolences.[30]
- European Union – In the Council of Europe's press release EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby has expressed condolences to Azerbaijani people.[31]
- France – The French Foreign Ministry said in its address: "We were very sorry to hear about an armed attack this morning at the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy, killing 13 and injuring many others. We strongly condemn this act of violence".[32]
- Georgia – The Georgian Foreign Ministry in its statement said that "the Georgian side unequivocally condemns this criminal act and expresses hope that the investigation will bring to light all details of the incident".[33] Governor of Kvemo Kartli province Davit Kirkitadze also offered condolences to the people and President of Azerbaijan: “We, Georgians and Azerbaijanis, were always together in our happiness and grieve. I sorrow for this tragic event. This event grieved Georgians too as it hurt the heart of every Azerbaijani. We have to share our grieves as we share our happiness”.[34]
- Iran – The Iranian embassy in Baku said: "We feel deep sorrow over the tragic incident that occurred in Azerbaijan State Oil Academy on April 30. We grieve deeply as the victims of this terrible crime are students, young people".[35]
- Iraq – As in the condolence letter, the "Iraqi embassy in Azerbaijan was very deeply saddened by the news of the murder of innocent teachers and students in the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy and condemns this act".[6]
- Israel – The Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Lieberman condemned this violent act and mourn, together with our friends in Azerbaijan, this tragic loss of life of these young people and all the victims of this horrible event.[36]
- Latvia – President Valdis Zatlers addressed Ilham Aliyev. "The Latvian people share deep sorrow of Azerbaijanis", said in the condolences.[37]
- Norway – The Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre offered his condolences in a letter to Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.[38]
- Russia – President Dmitry Medvedev said: "I am deeply shocked by news about the tragedy that took place on April 30 in Azerbaijan State Oil Academy in Baku. Our common grief is redoubled by the fact the victims of this monstrous crime were students, young people, who were full of vital plans."[39]
- Turkey – President Abdullah Gül and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed their condolences.[40]
- Ukraine – President Viktor Yuschenko expressed the condolences.[41]
- United Kingdom – David Miliband and Prince Andrew, Duke of York expressed the condolences.[30] Prince Andrew said that in these difficult days, he is together with Azerbaijan.[30]
- United States – The U.S. Department of State spokesperson Robert Wood said on April 30: "On behalf of the Department of State I wish to express our sympathy and solidarity with the people of Azerbaijan in the aftermath of the tragic shooting today at the State Oil Academy in Baku. We extend our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of those killed in the incident and we wish a speedy recovery to those wounded. The United States is standing in solidarity with Azerbaijan, our friend and strategic partner, in this time of shock and sadness".[42]
Commemoration ban
Commemoration of the events were prevented by government on April 30, 2010. Around the place were placed Azerbaijan Police in uniforms and plainclothes.[43][44][45]
See also
Notes
- ^ a b Interpol Wanted Gumashyan, Mardun
- ^ "Azerbaijan gunman kills 12 at university". CNN.com. 2009-04-30. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/04/30/azerbaijan.shooting/index.html?iref=mpstoryview. Retrieved 2009-04-30.
- ^ Rustam Usubov: “Organizer of the terrorist attack at the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy Mardun Gumashyan is declared wanted via Interpol”
- ^ ""Loner" shoots 13 dead at Azerbaijan college". Reuters. 2009-04-30. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE53T1NF20090430?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=22&sp=true. Retrieved 2009-04-30.
- ^ "Over 10 killed in Azerbaijani school shooting". Xinhua. 2009-04-30. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/30/content_11288388.htm. Retrieved 2009-04-30.
- ^ a b "Iraqi embassy in Azerbaijan offers condolence on tragic event in higher school". Trend News Agency. 2009-05-01. http://en.trend.az/news/politics/foreign/1464147.html. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ ""Loner" shoots 13 dead at Azerbaijan college". Reuters. REUTERS. 2009-04-30. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE53T1NF20090430?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=22&sp=true. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ "Gunman opens fire at students in Baku, casualties reported". RIA Novosti. 2009-04-30. http://en.rian.ru/world/20090430/121383010.html. Retrieved 2009-04-30.
- ^ (Azerbaijani)"Ekspert basqında «Makarov»dan istifadə olunmasına şübhə edir". Azadliq.org. 2009-04-30. http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/1619275.html. Retrieved 2009-05-03.
- ^ a b c "General Prosecutor's Office and Interior Ministry issue official statement on shooting in Azerbaijan State Oil Academy". ANS. 2009-04-30. http://www.anspress.com/nid112600.html. Retrieved 2009-04-30.[dead link]
- ^ "Health Ministry announces final list of Azerbaijan State Oil Academy terrorist attack victims". APA. 2009-04-30. http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=101454. Retrieved 2009-04-30.
- ^ (Azerbaijani)"Səhiyyə Nazirliyi terror zamanı ölənlərin yekun siyahısını açıqlayıb". Lent.az. 2009-04-30. http://www.lent.az/news.php?id=22314. Retrieved 2009-04-30.
- ^ [1]
- ^ (Russian) [2]
- ^ "Blood donation action held in Azerbaijani regions". Today.az. 2009-05-01. http://www.today.az/news/society/51935.html. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ "Person detained in connection with shooting at Azerbaijan State Oil Academy". Today.az. 2009-05-01. http://www.today.az/news/society/51933.html. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ "Azerbaijani President issues order on rendering financial assistance to families of killed and wounded persons in State Oil Academy". APA. 2009-05-01. http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=101563. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ a b c "Azerbaijani MPs: serious security measures must be taken in educational institutions". Trend News Agency. 2009-04-30. http://en.trend.az/news/official/parliament/1463789.html. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ a b "Mourning ceremony on the terrorist attack at Azerbaijan State Oil Academy". APA. 2009-05-01. http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=101483. Retrieved 2009-05-03.
- ^ "Baku students rally for official mourning period". Eurasianet. 2009-05-01. http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/news/articles/eav050109a.shtml. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ a b c d e "Prosecutor: "We are taking necessary measures to bring Armenian originator of mass shooting in Oil Academy to justice"". APA. 21 Apr 2010. http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=120507. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
- ^ The official site of Interpol
- ^ Hearing on mass killing in Azerbaijan State Oil Academy scheduled for April 21
- ^ a b CBC News: Shooting at Azerbaijan oil academy kills 12
- ^ Rosbalt:Соседи бакинского убийцы: Он рос хорошим мальчиком (Russian)
- ^ Man detained over Azeri shooting
- ^ Reuters:"Loner" shoots 13 dead at Azerbaijan college
- ^ (Russian)"Президент Беларуси выразил соболезнование в связи с трагедией в азербайджанском ВУЗе". Day.az. 2009-05-01. http://day.az/news/society/155644.html. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ "Czech Foreign Ministry deplores tragic event in Azerbaijan State Oil Academy". Trend News Agency. 2009-04-30. http://en.trend.az/politics/foreign/1464243.html. Retrieved 2009-05-01.[dead link]
- ^ a b c "Heads of several states extends condolence to Azerbaijani counterpart over tragedy at Oil Academy". Trend News Agency. 2009-05-02. http://www.today.az/news/society/51955.html. Retrieved 2009-05-03.
- ^ "EU Special Representative for South Caucasus offers condolences to Azerbaijani people". Today.az. 2009-05-01. http://www.today.az/news/society/51916.html. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ "French Foreign Ministry issues statement on the tragedy in Baku". Today.az. 2009-05-01. http://www.today.az/news/society/51906.html. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ "Foreign Ministry of Georgia presented its condolences over the tragedy in Baku". Georgia Times. 2009-04-30. http://www.georgiatimes.info/?lang=en&area=articleItem&id=11630&path=news. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ "Kvemo-Kartly Governor offers condolences to Azerbaijani People on the tragedy at the Oil Academy". APA. 2009-05-01. http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=101526. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ "Iran’s Embassy in Azerbaijan expresses condolences over tragic incident in Baku". APA. 2009-04-30. http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=101470. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ "Israeli Foreign Ministry Offers Condolence On Tragic Event In Baku". Turkish Weekly. 2009-04-30. http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/75075/-israeli-foreign-ministry-offers-condolence-on-tragic-event-in-baku-.html. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ "President of Latvia offers condolences to his Azerbaijani counterpart on tragedy at Baku University". Trend News Agency. 2009-05-01. http://en.trend.az/official/chronicle/1464440.html. Retrieved 2009-05-01.[dead link]
- ^ "MFA of Norway offers its condolences to Azerbaijan". Norway.az. 2009-05-01. http://www.norway.az/norway/condolences.htm. Retrieved 2009-05-02.
- ^ Russian President extended his condolence over the tragedy in Azerbaijan State Oil Academy
- ^ "Turkish President and Prime Minister offer condolences to Azerbaijani President". APA. 2009-05-01. http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=101564. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ "President grieves over victims of Baku shooting". President.gov.ua. 2009-04-30. http://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/13678.html. Retrieved 2009-05-02.
- ^ "Azerbaijan: Shooting at the State Oil Academy". State.gov. 2009-04-30. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/04/122522.htm. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ http://www.news.az/articles/14585
- ^ http://en.trend.az/news/politics/movements/1679314.html
- ^ http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=121218
External links
Categories:- 2009 crimes
- University shootings
- 2009 in Azerbaijan
- History of Baku
- Terrorism in Azerbaijan
- Deaths by firearm in Azerbaijan
- Murder in Azerbaijan
- Murder in 2009
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