Chess problemist shot in Azeri terror attack

Mejnun Vahidov killed in terror attack

A leading Azeri chess problem composer was one of 14 victims of a student gumnan who went on the rampage in Baku on 30 April. Mejnun Vahidov, composer of over 200 published chess problems, died from bullet wounds sustained when a gunman at the Azeri State Oil and Gas Academy stormed through the building, shooting indiscriminately. He left 13 dead and 15 wounded. The gunman put an end to his own life.

Vahidov, who had worked at the Academy for over 30 years, was for many years a leading figure in Azeri chess composition. His 200 published problems include many prize-winners, especially with the Vladimirov and Nowotny themes, and he has a number of entries in the prestigious FIDE Albums, selection for which forms the basis for the award of IM and GM composing titles.

We will return to this tragic subject, once more information becomes available. If anyone has pictures, stories or examples of Vahidov's composition please send these to us.

The massacre

Students at Azerbaijan State Oil Academy, a public university located in Baku, the nation’s capital, ended their Thursday morning terror-stricken after 25 people were shot by a gunman firing at teachers and students from floor to floor, before finally turning the gun on himself. The man, along with 12 others, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crime. The shooter has been identified as Farda Gadyrov, a Georgian citizen of Azeri descent. Gadyrov is being described by Azeri media as a “loner.” Full Reuters report on CN.

Addendum

The gunman who perpetrated the rampage at the prestigious Azerbaijani university on April 30 has been identified as Farda Gadirov, a 29-year-old ethnic Azeri from neighboring Georgia. Officials said Gadirov was not affiliated with the State Oil Academy, where the gunman opened fire shortly after classes began, and the motive for the shootings remained unclear. Gadirov died at the scene, although there were conflicting reports about whether he committed suicide or was killed by police. – Radio Free Europe

• Breaking information on the Azerichess.com web site
  (Russian language, article Светлая память о погибшем товарище!)
• Reuters video report on AsiaOne
• CNN: Azerbaijan gunman kills 12 at university
• BBC: Man detained over Baku shooting