The actual footage of Azerbaijani troops, in mid-December of 2005, using sledgehammers to demolish Armenian khachkars (cross-stones) at Old Julfa cemetery in Azeri region of Nakhichevan, shown in many countries of the world, caused a tide of protest among Armenian students in Germany. An initiative group was formed, composed of Armenian students of various universities. They decided to organize a protest action in Cologne, send letters to the UNESCO, German and international organizations, German TV demanding to urgently denounce the crime. Supported by All-Armenian Central Council of Germany and numerous other Armenian organizations of Germany, the students prepared many transparencies during the Christmas and New Year holidays. These condemn the barbarism of the Azeri Government and demand UNESCO direct intervention. The organizers also made thousands of leaflets. Old Julfa Armenian khachkars before and after demolition are depicted there.

The protest action authorized by Cologne authorities was held January 4. Chair of All-Armenian Central Council of Germany Shavarsh Hovasapyan, the administration of the Armenian-German company and others took part in the event along with 60-70 students. Leaflets were disseminated during 2 hours. The content of the letter to be sent to the UNESCO was read aloud in German several times. After the action Armenian students headed for Sahak Mesrop church, where they discussed Nakhichevan problems and activation of student participation in these issues.