Biography

Ramil Safarov was born on August 25, 1977 in the town of Jabrayil, former Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic of Soviet Union (now Azerbaijan Republic) where he finished middle school.

He is one of four brothers. Jabrayil was captured by Nagorno-Karabakh forces on August 26, 1993, and remains under control of Nagorno-Karabakh army as part of the unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Safarov's family fled to Baku in 1991. During a court hearing, Safarov recounted memories from the years of war, during which he had lost family members.

This, however, contradicted another version he told the court, where he stated that he was studying in Azerbaijan's capital of Baku and in Turkey from 1992 to 1996.[10] He continued his studies at Maltepe Military High School in İzmir and then at the Turkish Military Academy, graduating in 2000, after which he returned to Azerbaijan.

In January 2004, the 26-year-old Ramil Safarov, along with another officer from Azerbaijan, went to Budapest (Hungary), to participate in the three-month English language courses, organized by NATO's Partnership for Peace program for military personnel from different countries.

On February 19, 2004 broke into Margaryan's dormitory room at night and axed him to death while Margaryan was asleep.

n 2006, Safarov was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in Hungary with a minimum incarceration period of 30 years.

After his request under the Strasbourg Convention, he was extradited on August 31, 2012 to Azerbaijan, where he was greeted as a hero, pardoned by Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev despite contrary assurances made to Hungary, promoted to the rank of major.

On October 2, 2012 married Shabnam Mammadova.

No children. By religion - Muslim.

Home Murder Conclusion of the medical examination Verdict of court Return of a hero Laurels of a hero Honor of officer Reward for Killing Letters of Appreciation Contacts
President Ilham Aliyev Heydar Aliyev Foundation SOCAR
Հայերեն English Русский
Murder топором национальный герой

"My job is to kill all [Armenians], because until they live we will suffer"

"…in another time in another place I would have done the same..."

"If there were more Armenians … I would commit the crime on all. However, this was the first and I didn't have the chance to prepare more punctually to commit this action"

"I feel sorry that I haven't killed any Armenian until now"

"…when they walked close to me they mumbled something in Armenian and laughed at me. That was the time when I decided that I will kill these two persons, the Armenians, I will cut their head off"

"My release is the triumph of justice"

Armenians continue provocations regarding Ramil Safarov?

October 22, 2013

The Armenian propaganda machine keeps throwing mud at Azerbaijani officer Ramil Safarov. According to AZE.az, this time the Armenians created and launched a website dedicated to major of Republic of Azerbaijan Armed Forces Ramil Safarov. http://www.safarov.org/ ). […] This information resource is the fancy of insane Armenian propaganda as the Armenians published their own vision of the events that happened in Budapest in February 2004. The website publishes information in three languages – Armenian, Russian and English. (AZE.az http://aze.az/news_armyane_prodoljayut_provoka_98135.html) […] However, neither Ramil Safarov nor Azerbaijan has anything to do with the website. This website is the work of Armenian propaganda as it presents the Armenian version of the events that happened in Budapest in February 2004. (http://www.vesti.az/news/178118)

Remark from the website authors

Such publications are a clear evidence of particular sensitivity of Azerbaijani society to the topic of Ramil Safarov and his act. Inwardly, they realize and fix the difference between the perception by the Azerbaijanis themselves and the outside world, and based on this, they overreact to the mention of Safarov's name in vain by "unconfirmed Azerbaijanis."

Read more...



Ilham Aliyev: "We have restored justice and we will never retreat in our policy"

September 19, 2013

In order to secure from such tragedies in the future, the Armenian fascism must receive due assessment on the world scale. But unfortunately, injustice continues today.

As reported by the official website of the President, Ilham Aliyev said this in his remarks on a visit to Guba.
“I remember the unfounded accusations against me for the return to the homeland and release of the Azerbaijani officer –Ramil Safarov, the attacks of foreign hypocritical politicians against me.

The European Parliament even adopted a resolution on this issue and condemned my steps. But today also I can say with a complete determination that Azerbaijan returned to the homeland, released its officer and restored justice. But see how many unfounded accusations were made against Azerbaijan in the world press and in different international organizations.

Certainly, these accusations could not have any impact, since no force can influence the will and the decisions of the Azerbaijani state. We have restored justice and we will never retreat in our policy.”
Source: ann.az

Quotations of Azerbaijani officials

Ilham Aliyev

Ilham Aliyev

President of Azerbaijan Republic

Ramil Safarov's issue was used by the Armenians and, unfortunately, by some foreign circles as an excuse and the negotiations reached a deadlock because of that issue.

Ramil Safarov's issue as if enabled them and some foreign countries dealing with this problem to condemn Azerbaijan, as if Azerbaijan delivers a blow to the negotiation process.

As regards Ramil Safarov's issue, I want to say once again that everything was within the law. The issue of extradition was solved based on European conventions and I pardoned Ramil Safarov based on the Constitution of Azerbaijan. It was a very right decision and I want to say once again that even if I knew that the Armenians and their patrons would make such a stir, I would still pardon Ramil Safarov on his arrival to Azerbaijan.

"Azerbaijan returned its officer to the homeland. This is the most important problem. No matter what the Armenians say, I don't care about it at all. No matter what their patrons say, I don't care about it, I give no importance to these statements and none of the unfounded accusations against Azerbaijan has remained unanswered."

Source: news.day.az

Sahib Safarov

Sahib Safarov

Ramil Safarov's father

"My son witnessed how the Armenians ripped the heart out of a human's chest"

"President Mr Ilham Aliyev gave us this joy. Ramil Safarov's return to Azerbaijan and his pardon that happened as soon as he set his foot on the homeland doubled the joy of the Azerbaijani people."

"I am thankful to everyone who supported and gave strength to Ramil during these 8.5 years. I am grateful to everyone, with the leadership of Mister President. Our joy is boundless!!! This joy is not only mine, everyone is happy today! Ramil is the son of this homeland and he will serve his people until his last breath. It is Ramil Safarov's duty."

Source: interfax.az   anspress.com

Gulzar Ibrahimova

Gulzar Ibrahimova

Azerbaijani children's writer, chief editor of Bala Dili magazine, head of Public Union for Support to Children's Education Kicik Dunya, contributor to ANS PRESS

"Remember, sonny, that there are both good and bad people in every nation, but the Armenians are the only nation in the world that has no good people or only a few good people."

"Listen and remember, my son, the Armenians are our deadly enemies. Don't leave the enemy unavenged! If you meet an Armenian, even in the most civilized country in the world, treat him like a creature that drank the blood of your people! Never forgive your enemy! If you forgive him, the bread of the Homeland, the Father's blood and the Mother's milk will be damned to you!!!."

Source: faktxeber.com

Zeynab Khanlarova

Zeynab Khanlarova

People's Artist of USSR, Milli Majlis deputy

"Ramil Safarov is not only the hero of Azerbaijan, but the hero of the whole world. Monuments should be erected in his honor. Not every man is able to do what he did. There are two heroes: one is Mister Ilham Aliyev and the other is Ramil Safarov. If I were in Ramil's place, I would do the same. He took an Armenian's life, and he was right to do so."

Source: qafqazinfo.az

Fuad Aleskerov

Fuad Aleskerov

Head of the Law Enforcement Department of Administration of Azerbaijani President

"The brave step of the country's leader demonstrated that he, as President and Supreme Commander in Chief of the Republic of Azerbaijan, is behind each citizen, soldier and officer of Azerbaijan. It also serves as an appeal for the unification of the entire Azerbaijani people against the enemy."

"It is also an appeal for the solidarity of the entire Azerbaijani people in the face of the enemy."

Source: newsazerbaijan.ru

Novruz Mammadov

Novruz Mammadov

Head of the Foreign Relations Department of Administration of Azerbaijani President

"This event is a cause for joy and pride for each of us. It is very impressive to see here our soldier, the devoted son of his people, who was sent to prison for defending the glory and honor of the homeland and the people."

Source: newtimes.az

Rabiyat Aslanova

Rabiyat Aslanova

Azerbaijani Milli Majlis deputy, head of parliament's Human Rights Committee

"Ramil is a very strong-willed person, a fighter by nature, he does not forget about his homeland for even a minute, and during the talk he asked about all processes and events taking place in Azerbaijan."

Source: 1news.az

Elnur Aslanov

Elnur Aslanov

Head of the Political Analysis and Information Department of Administration of Azerbaijani President

"Our victory at the Eurovision 2011 Song Contest, our sportsmen's success at international tournaments, the valor of such persons as Mubariz Ibrahimov and Ramil Safarov gave a second breath to the Azerbaijani society and people."

Source: apa.az

Elmira Suleymanova

Elmira Suleymanova

Azerbaijan's Commissioner for Human Rights

"Ramil Safarov should become an example of patriotism for the Azerbaijani youth."

"Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, once again proving his commitment to his promise to be president of each and every Azerbaijani, realized another dream of our people, showing his humaneness once again, pardoning R. Safarov and creating a possibility for his return to the homeland as a free citizen."

"The extradition of R. Safarov sentenced to life imprisonment, based on the international convention, and his pardon made happy the entire Azerbaijani people."

"This became another confirmation of humaneness of President Ilham Aliyev and his care about the citizens of Azerbaijan."

Source: Zerkalo 28 Февраль 2004,   salamnews.org,   1news.az   interfax.az

Ganira Pashayeva

Ganira Pashayeva

Azerbaijani MP, member of parliamentary delegation to PACE

"Dear Ramil! Congratulations to you! Inshallah, you may see your 35th birthday in your home. After our acquaintance in the Hungarian prison and our long talks, I am grateful to my fate for knowing so closely such a patriotic young man who loves his homeland."

"Ramil Safarov is freed! Congratulations to you, Azerbaijanis! We are grateful to the President for R. Safarov's return to Azerbaijan and for his pardon."

Source: topnews.az

Gultekin Hajiyeva

Gultekin Hajiyeva

Azerbaijani MP, member of parliamentary delegation to PACE

"If at this point, the community of Azerbaijan fails to rescue Ramil Safarov from the Armenian diaspora, in the future we will not be able to win the war for the liberation of the occupied Azerbaijani lands."

Source: Zerkalo newspaper, 28.02.2004

Samad Seyidov

Samad Seyidov

Head of Azerbaijani delegation to PACE, rector of Azerbaijan University of Languages, professor, MP

"Incidents like this will happen as long as the Armenians do not give up their claims for Nagorno-Karabakh."

Agshin Mehdiyev

Agshin Mehdiyev

Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the Council of Europe, Ambassador

"I do not advise the Armenians to sleep calmly until the Karabakh conflict is settled as incidents like in Budapest cannot be ruled out."

Source: Zerkalo, 23 February, 2004

Али Гасанов

Ali Hasanov

Head of the Department for Public and Political Issues of Administration of Azerbaijani President

"The opinion of Azerbaijani public and the principle of humaneness played a role in Ramil Safarov's release."

"After 8.5 years of serving the sentence, the Azerbaijani public regards Safarov's release as a just act. The Azerbaijani public's confidence and respect for Ramil Safarov is growing."

Source: news.day.az

Abulfaz Garayev

Abulfaz Garayev

Minister of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan

"As a member of government and as an ordinary citizen, I am very proud of Mister President's decision to pardon Ramil Safarov. It was a courageous step."

"We regard it as a fair decision which of course worries our enemies. However, we do not care about it as the goal of every Azerbaijani is to fight his enemies wherever he is."

Source: 1news.az

Faraj Guliyev

Faraj Guliyev

Azerbaijani Milli Majlis deputy

"I feel very proud that the sports club Janub gave the hero Ramil Safarov's name to this gym. I believe that Ramil Safarov will learn about this and rejoice at not being forgotten. I hope that the next opening of a new gym will be dedicated to another national hero, Mubariz Ibrahimov. Today, your initiatives are supported at the state level in Azerbaijan."

Source: salamnews.org

Zahid Oruj

Zahid Oruj

MP, member of Azerbaijani parliament's Committee on Security and Defense Issues

"His release will contribute to the strengthening of psychological and moral mood of Azerbaijani public"

"Ramil Safarov's release strengthens the nation's authority. Ramil Safarov is not just the son of his father, he is a representative of the Azerbaijani people …this event can have an impact on the strengthening of national spirit."

Source: news.az topnews.az

Bahar Muradova

Bahar Muradova

Vice speaker of Azerbaijani Milli Majlis (parliament)

"Ramil Safarov is free. The Azerbaijani President carried out a great work to eliminate injustice regarding him, and it yielded a concrete result."

"It is necessary to create conditions for the service of such officers as Ramil, patriots of Azerbaijan, who are ready to sacrifice themselves."

Source: trend.az

Jeyhun Osmanli

Jeyhun Osmanli

Azerbaijani Milli Majlis deputy

"Ramil Safarov was in jail for 8 years, but his issue never left Azerbaijan's agenda. Many individuals and agencies, including the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, provided moral support to Ramil Safarov all this time."

Source: 1news.az

Ilgar Mammadov

Ilgar Mammadov

Political scientist

"For two fair reasons – historical and practical – Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to pardon Ramil Safarov even before the landing of the plane on which he, extradited from Hungary, arrived"

"We are happy about Ramil's release. But the joy cannot be for no reason: many people did a good job for two years to make our citizens happy."

Source: haqqin.az

Mubariz Gurbanli

Mubariz Gurbanli

Deputy executive secretary of Yeni Azerbaijan Party, MP

"Safarov's extradition from Hungary to Azerbaijan and his pardon is the logical expression of the Azerbaijani President's policy to release the patriotic officer."

"Safarov's release is the logical continuation of attention to our patriots and people with national spirit."

"President Ilham Aliyev's pardon of Azerbaijani army officer Ramil Safarov is a very happy event."

Source: trend.az

Bayram Safarov

Bayram Safarov

Chairman of Azerbaijani Community of Nagorno-Karabakh Public Union

"The Armenians must understand that Ramil Safarov's release is another victory of Azerbaijan"

"Ramil Safarov's pardon was the dream of all Azerbaijanis of Nagorno-Karabakh. He is dear to each Karabakhian as a real hero of Azerbaijan. His release is the result of the policy of the Azerbaijani state and another defeat of the Armenians. Justice has been done at last."

Source: apa.az

Iskender Hamidov

Iskender Hamidov

Minister of Internal Affairs in the government of Abulfaz Elchibey (1992—1993), chairman of National Democratic Party of Azerbaijan, police Lt. Gen.

"I don't care how Ramil Safarov killed the Armenian officer. What is important is that now there is one Gurgen less, and the more Azerbaijanis kill Armenians, the less there will be of them."

Source: news.day.az

Akif Nagi

Akif Nagi

Chairman of Karabakh Liberation Organization

"R. Safarov did his duty towards the Azerbaijani people, and the state and the public appreciated R. Safarov highly."

Source: salamnews.org

Teymur Abdullayev

Teymur Abdullayev

Deputy head of the press service of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense

"The order of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to pardon Ramil Safarov is worthy of the highest praise. The Ministry of Defense welcomed with great joy the news of Ramil Safarov's extradition from Hungary and his subsequent pardon."

Source: salamnews.org

Isa Gambar

Isa Gambar

Leader of Musavat opposition party

"His arrival to the motherland, his release is a very positive fact. I congratulate his family and friends."

Source: salamnews.org

Araz Alizade

Araz Alizade

Chairman of Social Democratic Party of Azerbaijan

"By pardoning R. Safarov, the Azerbaijani President explained to the world that those who work for the homeland must defend it"

"The Azerbaijani soldier is convicted for the murder of the person who insulted our state flag, while the country of murdered Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan immediately declared him a national hero."

Source: topnews.az

Ali Ahmedov

Ali Ahmedov

Deputy chairman of Yeni Azerbaijan Party, executive secretary, Milli Majlis deputy

"I think the Azerbaijani President's decree to pardon Ramil Safarov is a courageous and brave step, as well as a restoration of justice"

"The people welcomed with great joy and satisfaction the Azerbaijani President's order to pardon him after his extradition."

Source: 1news.az   копия   day.az

Rasim Musabekov

Rasim Musabekov

Azerbaijani Milli Majlis deputy, political scientist

"I think the decision to extradite him was right. And I think it is adequate that the head of state quickly, without paying attention to Armenian howls, made the decision to pardon him. It is also adequate in terms of public expectations."

Source: 1news.az

Svetlana Abdullayeva

Svetlana Abdullayeva

Head of Hungary-Azerbaijan Friendship Society

"As regards the heroization…If an ordinary citizen expresses his emotions, his joy over the fact that his co-citizen and compatriot is returned to the homeland after many years, these are simple human emotions, no matter if the Armenians like it or not."

Source: vesti.az

Anar Mammadkhanov

Anar Mammadkhanov

Captain of Parni iz Baku (Guys from Baku) KVN team, Milli Majlis deputy

"Armenians must be killed in Karabakh"

"Safarov should be defended on the state level. That concerns not only the state agencies, but also the public and each citizen of Azerbaijan"

"I always tell our officers who study in Turkey: "You are needed in Karabakh. They must be killed in Karabakh, not in the other countries."

"Ramil Safarov should not have done so. He could return to the homeland a year later as a professional serviceman, an officer. And he could prepare an operation inflicting losses of many thousands to the Armenians."

Source: day.az

Heydar Jemal

Heydar Jemal

Political scientist, chairman of Islamic Committee of Russia

"I am absolutely convinced that Ramil Safarov's welcome in Azerbaijan as a hero is quite appropriate. Moreover, I think that the Armenians' argumentation on that issue is hypocritical as I can't imagine that if an Armenian killed an Azerbaijani, he would be welcomed differently in Yerevan."

"Seeing an Armenian with whom he is at war, with no truce signed, he perceived him the way he would perceive him if he saw him on the Azerbaijani border."

Source: day.az   youtube.com

Oleg Kuznetsov

Oleg Kuznetsov

PhD in History, associate professor, prorector, analyst at Azerros media holding

"The war is over, but the thirst for revenge for the honor of the country and people, lost wellbeing of the family and death of relatives remains and he realized it through the murder of the Armenian officer in peacetime and in the capital of a foreign state. In peaceful life, without hesitation, he did what he had to do in wartime. And, I repeat it once again, this is his truth and his tragedy."

Source: zavtra.ru

Badri Ustuner

Badri Ustuner

Citizen of Turkey, colonel

"Such deeds have to be committed exactly this way... The monument of the gallant officer Ramil Safarov, whom you have pardoned, must be erected in all military units to serve as an example to each Azerbaijani soldier... That's how the love for one's nation, patriotism and bravery should be."

Source: apa.az

Guram Markhuliya

Guram Markhuliya

PhD in History, Professor at Sukhumi State University, honorary doctor of Institute of History of National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan

"Ramil Safarov, citizen of Azerbaijan Republic, extradited from Hungary to his motherland and pardoned by the order of Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, becomes an honorary member of the Caucasian International Research Centre for Geohistory and Geopolitics in compliance with the decision of the association.

We are grateful to Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev for his fair decision about Ramil Safarov!"

Source: vesti.az

Hulusi Kilic

Hulusi Kilic

Ambassador of Turkey to Azerbaijan

"The West is to blame for what has happened. If it does not want to see the repetition of Ramil Safarov's action, it should support Azerbaijan's fair position and rapidly settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict."

Source: apa.az

Bahram Batiyev

Bahram Batiyev

Journalist

"Quite an unexpected and at the same time pleasant news came from Georgia against the backdrop of unceasing lamentations of the Armenians over the extradition and pardon of Azerbaijani officer Ramil Safarov. The Caucasian International Research Centre for Geohistory and Geopolitics admitted Ramil Safarov as an honorary member."

"Azerbaijan knows very well what made Ramil Safarov commit the murder, as well as the circumstances of the crime (for instance, the fact that Safarov entered Margaryan's room and turned on the light and the Armenian officer woke up and even wanted to get up from bed).

Source: vesti.az   vesti.az

Rizvan Huseynov

Rizvan Huseynov

Political analyst, expert on inter-ethnic conflicts and geopolitics of South Caucasus, associate professor at department of political science of Academy of Public Administration under the President of Azerbaijan

"Safarov axed G. Margaryan because he repeatedly and publicly insulted the Azerbaijani flag, the people and the memory of those who died during the Karabakh war."

"R. Safarov went towards the door of G. Margaryan, who, as it became clear, woke up and opened the door to R. Safarov."

Source: rizvanhuseynov.com

Alexey Sinitsin

Alexey Sinitsin

Chief expert at American-Azerbaijani Progress Promotion Fund

"The thesis on the state's duty to protect each citizen is one of the basic principles stated in the constitutions of actually all country members of the United Nations. But only a spiritually strong and really independent state can fulfill that principle in the complicated international situation, taking the risk of not being understood by the serious political players. Azerbaijan's long, tense struggle for the release of its citizen, Ramil Safarov, should be viewed in this context. By returning Ramil Safarov to the homeland, the Azerbaijani state demonstrated to the public its fidelity to commitments towards the Azerbaijani citizens whose rights it has to protect not only within its territory, but also throughout the world."

Source: net-fax.org

Vugar Seidov

Vugar Seidov

PhD in History, political scientist, journalist, political analyst at AzerTAG

"If Ramil killed an ordinary Armenian – old man or woman – I would condemn it. But he killed an ARMY OFFICER"

"If I were in the place of Ramil's father, I would be proud that my son liquidated the potential murderer of another four-week-old Azerbaijani baby."

"We will also consider Ramil a hero, even a greater hero, as he killed an officer, not a woman or a child."

"I assure you that if there is a chance when we face an officer of the enemy army with which the war is not over yet, we will not miss it." (From the editorial staff: this is Vugar Seidov's answer to the question of whether he is ready to kill the Armenians. Vugar is ready to kill irrespective of the fact that there is a temporary truce, the peace negotiations are underway, and the two presidents shake hands during every meeting).

Source: disput.az

Asif Javadov (Vugar Seidov)

Asif Javadov (Vugar Seidov)

political scientist

"Hungarian politicians admitted that any self-respecting Hungarian would act exactly the same way as Safarov."

"But what did they want? Did they want Safarov to throw a gauntlet at the face of that flag trampler and challenge him to a duel with seconds? History shows that the hays do not deserve such nobleness."

"I think it is absolutely deserved! It must be punished strictly – whether the person is sleeping, dreaming or doing something else."

Source: aze.az rizvanhuseynov.com

Asim Mollazade

Asim Mollazade

Member of Milli Majlis working group on Azerbaijani-U.S. inter-parliamentary relations, leader of Party for Democratic Reforms

"Currently, in Azerbaijan, hundreds of innocent people like R. Safarov dream of taking revenge on the Armenians."

Source: salamnews.org

Hikmet Javadov

Hikmet Javadov

Chairperson of the Congress of Ukrainian Azerbaijanis (CUA)

"Many thousands of representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Ukraine learnt about Azerbaijani army officer Ramil Safarov's extradition and pardon with a great joy."

"On behalf of the Congress of Ukrainian Azerbaijanis, as well as the Azerbaijanis living in Ukraine and also me personally, I want to express a deep gratitude to the President Ilham Aliyev, because by pardoning the Azerbaijani army officer Ramil Safarov, you showed all our citizens that everyone among us has each of us."

Source: 1news.az

Rauf Mardiyev

Rauf Mardiyev

Chairman of Ireli Public Union

"R. Safarov's transfer to Azerbaijan and his pardon is a happy event for the entire Azerbaijan and an evidence of justice."

Source: 1news.az

Zaur Aliyev

Zaur Aliyev

Member of National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, head of Diaspora and Lobby Research Center, doctor of political philosophy

"… awarding R. Safarov, who is held hostage in the Hungarian prison, the title of a national hero can become a support and a foundation for raising the patriotic and fighting spirit of the Azerbaijani youth..."

"As a real officer, he punished with a primordially Turkic method the one who insulted the flag of independent Azerbaijan. The homeland must appreciate his step."

Source: zaur-aliyev.info

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