PACE statement condemns Azerbaijan for Armenian captive's death

A statement adopted on Wednesday at the plenary session at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has released a statement, condemning Azerbaijani authorities for the death of Manvel Saribekyan during his captivity in Azerbaijan.

"PACE expresses its shock over the death of Manvel Saribekyan and strongly condemns the authorities of Azerbaijan for this tragedy. Their actions represent a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, in particular, Articles 2 and 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights, the Geneva Conventions and UN Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which Azerbaijan is a party," reads the statement.

On 5 October 2010 Manvel Saribekyan, citizen of Armenia died in captivity in Azerbaijan. A sheperd from a borderline village in Armenia, he has been captured by Azerbaijani forces at the border. Azerbaijani Defense Ministry and the Military Prosecutors Office reported that Manvel committed "suicide."

Earlier, Azerbaijan disseminated a video footage, in which signs of violence could be seen on Manvel Saribekyan.

"PACE urges Azerbaijan to conduct full and transparent investigation with the involvement of international experts and to bring to justice officials responsible for the death of Manvel Saribekyan," reads the statement.