Iran's parliament to investigate blogger’s deathNovember 11, 2012 - 16:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran's parliament is to investigate the death in custody of blogger Sattar Beheshti, officials say, according to BBC News. Beheshti, 35, was arrested on October 30 on charges of "actions against national security on social networks and Facebook". Police told his family to pick up his body on Wednesday, November 7. Iranian MPs and human rights groups had called for an inquiry, while the US said it was "appalled" by reports he was "tortured and killed" in prison. Iranian deputy parliamentary speaker Mohammad Hasan Abutorabifard said on Sunday that parliament's committee on national security and foreign policy would investigate the case. Earlier MP Ahmad Tavakoli, a conservative critic of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, spoke in an open session of parliament criticising the government's silence on the issue. The MP for Mr Beheshti's constituency also complained that he and local officials had not been informed about the case. Amnesty International said Mr Beheshti had complained of being threatened the day before his arrest. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |