RA Defense Ministry: we do our utmost to return Manvel Saribekyan's body to Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian Defense Ministry sent a letter of condolences to relatives of Manvel Saribekyan, who was captured by Azerbaijanis on September 11. The letter reads that the Armenian authorities study the possibility of applying to international institutions and obtaining compensation upon the death of Manvel Saribekyan, RFE/RL reported.

In the letter, the Minister assured parents of the dead young man that the Armenian authorities do their utmost to return Manvel Saribekyan's body to Armenia.

Recently, the Defense Ministry and Military Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan issued a statement on “suicide” of Armenian captive Manvel Saribekyan. According to a 1news.az report, Saribekyan “hung himself” on the night of October 5, making a slipknot of his shirt and bedsheet. A scar characteristic for a hanged man was found on Saribekyan's neck. The experts “did not reveal” any marks of violence on his body.

Manvel Saribekyan, a shepherd, was taken captive on September 11 and announced a subversive.

The Armenian Ministry of Defense stated Saribekyan completed his military service in May 2010 and had no relation to armed forces.

Several days after Saribekyan was taken prisoner, an interview with him was posted on the web. The expertise of the video material showed that the man was under heavy psychological pressure and pumped with special drugs.