Relatives of the victims react after laying floral wreaths at the university where at least 10 people died in the shooting incident. The dead included at least two women. (Reuters)

Relatives of the victims react after laying floral wreaths at the university where at least 10 people died in the shooting incident. The dead included at least two women. (Reuters)

Explaining that the attack comes as a big surprise, the journalism undergraduate described a bit about her country’s past incidents that, though completely different in nature, shook the nation. “Baku is a small city on the coast of the smallest sea in the world, Caspian sea. It has witnessed the military marches in honour of the war in Karabakh in late 80s; it saw the attacks of the former Soviet army on 20 January 1990; it also witnessed Armenian terrorism when two subway stations were bombed in 1995 killing more than 300 people,” adding that this was the result of a global policy, when Azeris, Russians, Armenians and the Europeans were fighting for hegemony in the Caucasus.

“But we never expected the act of terrorism – what happened on Thursday – inside our society,” Elviyya said with shock in her tone. She expressed her deep sorrow over the fact that most of the victims were young students who didn’t come to the age of 20 yet and had a bright future ahead of them. “I went to the hospital to donate blood along with other friends. This is the least we could do for our injured colleagues,” a tearful Elviyya remarked.

Problematic Yet Peaceful

Official Azeri sources have identified the attacker as 29-year-old Farda Asad Gadirov, an ethnic Azeri of Georgian citizenship. The statement issued by the Interior Ministry said the attack was committed by using a Makarov pistol. Media reports suggest that the perpetrator, born in Georgia to Azeri parents, lived in Russia for 15 years, only to return to his native village in Georgia a month ago. Latest news coming from the Azeri capital say a suspect has been detained in connection with the killings. “The 25-year-old suspect, Aliyev Nadir Shirkhan, kept close contact with the murderer and has been detained today,” Prosecutor General’s Office spokesperson Eldar Sultanov told reporters in Baku.

Speaking about the problems today’s Azeri society faces, Elviyya pointed out that the country has enjoyed stability over the years under the reign of current leader Ilham Aliyev. “During the last five years, people of Azerbaijan decided not to interfere in the political life, and I think it is the reason of economical growth in the country.”

Ilham Alivey casting his vote in a referendum on various constitutional issues including the two term limit for a president. The Azeri leader won the referendum by a land-slide. (AP)

Ilham Alivey casting his vote in a referendum on various constitutional issues including the two term limit for a president. The Azeri leader won the referendum by a land-slide. (AP)

She however acknowledged that the country faces some problems and that some religious extremist elements are gaining ground in the country. “Of course we have opposition inside the state, but I find it normal. Many European countries have opposition parties. But there is no deep collision between the opposition and the government. There is noticeable political struggle going on for the influence on the oil industry.

“During the last 10 years, we have seen the spread of different Islamic and religious organizations, which I find quite bad for the future of the country. We should also consider the probable influence of Iran in this, and role of Turkish religious communities. Historically, Azerbaijan has open borders with these countries, which are not well-controlled. But again, it is too early to surmise, and tie it with this incident.” She also expressed her concern over the increasing use of drugs and alcohol in the society, especially among the youth.

Hanging Questions

The 30 April Oil Academy shooting has left many questions on the minds of millions of Azeris. People are openly asking questions like how many attackers were involved in the incident? Who was Farda Gadirov and why did he carried out the attack? And why has the government not declared a national mourning yet? Unless the government digs deep into the investigation and uncovers the plot, chances are that public shock will turn into discontent. The current Aliyev administration would like to avoid such a situation at all costs, especially at a time when falling oil prices and global financial crisis have badly dented government’s revenues and influence.