David Seliverstov: "This is neither a tribute to Albert's memory nor an indicator of loyalty to Azerbaijan"
Recently, unpleasant opinions have been voiced on social networks about the National Hero of Azerbaijan of Jewish origin, Albert Agarunov, and disrespect for the hero's spirit. This negative trend rightly causes dissatisfaction in Azerbaijani society. In order to express our attitude to the issue and clarify where these forces come from, we spoke with David Seliverstov, head of the Caucasus region of the Global Solidarity Council, an international human rights defender.
-Why is it unacceptable to use the name of Albert Agarunov in political and ethnic manipulations today?
-At a time when tensions around Azerbaijan are rising again, it is completely unacceptable to use the name of the National Hero of Azerbaijan, Albert Agarunov, in a distorted and speculative context. On social networks and in some discussions, individual individuals are trying to link this fact with political manipulations against Azerbaijan, highlighting his Jewish origin. Such an approach contradicts historical truth, the principle of civil unity and the national-spiritual values of the Azerbaijani people.
The name of Albert Agarunov is not a subject of ethnic and religious disputes. His name is a symbol of loyalty to Azerbaijani statehood, civil unity, multicultural solidarity and selflessness for the Motherland. The memory of national heroes should unite society and not become an instrument of information attacks and political provocations.
-What meaning does Albert Agarunov's heroism have for the Azerbaijani people?
-Albert Agarunov was born on April 25, 1969 in the Amirjan settlement of Baku. During the First Karabakh War, he voluntarily joined the defense of Azerbaijan, showed special heroism as a tank commander in the battles for Shusha and was heroically martyred on May 8, 1992. After his death, he was awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan.
His heroism is not measured by national or religious affiliation. He was an Azerbaijani of Jewish origin, but above all, he was a patriot of Azerbaijan. His life and martyrdom show that the religion, ethnicity and origin of a person who gave his life for Azerbaijan cannot become a subject of debate. Such personalities belong to the common memory of the people, the history of honor of the state and the school of true patriotism.
-How does Azerbaijani legislation approach this issue and how should the concept of "Azerbaijani" be explained here?
-According to the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, everyone is equal before the law and the court. Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees the equality of rights and freedoms of everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, language, origin and other circumstances. Article 44 of the Constitution establishes the right of everyone to preserve their national affiliation and states that no one can be forced to change their national affiliation.
These constitutional norms once again confirm that a person's ethnic or religious affiliation cannot be used to question his loyalty to the Motherland, civic position and belonging to the Azerbaijani people. In this context, the concept of "Azerbaijani" should be evaluated not only in terms of ethnic origin, but also in terms of citizenship, statehood, loyalty to the Motherland and belonging to a common historical destiny. Every person who is a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan and who sacrifices his life for the land, flag and security of this state is an integral part of the Azerbaijani people.
-What is your main appeal to society and the information space on this issue?
Today, it is unacceptable to use the name of Albert Agarunov for political speculation, ethnic or religious division, and to set the Azerbaijani people and the Jewish community against each other. This is neither respect for Albert's memory, nor an indicator of loyalty to Azerbaijan. On the contrary, such behavior strikes at national unity, civic solidarity, and the historical multicultural tradition of Azerbaijan.
The Jewish community of Azerbaijan has always been an active part of the country's public, cultural, and state life. Azerbaijani Jews are an integral part of this land. Their patriotism, loyalty to the state, and contributions to the development of Azerbaijani society should not become an instrument of any political manipulation.
Speaking from the position of human rights defenders, I note that attempts to create division among Azerbaijani citizens on ethnic and religious grounds must be categorically rejected. Anyone who tries to use the name of Albert Agarunov against Azerbaijan or the Jewish community of Azerbaijan should understand that this people does not divide its heroes. The Azerbaijani people honor their martyrs not because of their ethnicity or religion, but because of their loyalty to the Motherland.
The shed blood of our martyrs is the seal of Azerbaijan's independence. Therefore, their heroism and victory are undeniable. May God have mercy on all our martyrs.
Long live Azerbaijan!
Long live the Supreme Commander-in-Chief!
Suleyman Ismayilbeyli
