Baku Cemetery - 11.08.2001

 

Authorities Investigate 
Baku Cemetery Desecration 

One of the two Jewish cemeteries of Baku, Azerbaijan's capital, was severely desecrated in mid-October. The exact date of the incident is unknown, as no witnesses could be found. 

The City Cemetery (Gurd Gapisi) at Volchii Vorota is situated far from the center of the city and is not easily reached. Two weeks ago, representatives of the Jewish community were informed that 47 tombstones were desecrated, most of them broken to pieces. community members stated that only 18 of the markers still bore recognizable names.

The incident occurred after the Azerbaijani government had closed several mosques in the face of increasing Islamic extremist activity, and one day after the new Israeli Ambassador presented his credentials to President Heydar Aliyev. The President also announced the future opening of Azerbaijan's Embassy in Israel, and the forthcoming visit of Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister.

NCSJ has been in direct contact with leadership of the Baku community, as well as with the government of Azerbaijan.  Since the attack was discovered, the Prosecutor General has launched an intensive investigation that includes the participation of national security officials and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.  The Mayor's Office has begun repairs on the cemetery.