At the initiative of member of Heritage parliamentary group Zaruhi Postanjyan, PACE put into circulation on October 7 a written statement on Armenian shepherd Manvel Saribekyan’s murder. The statement is signed by 26 PACE deputies, including members of the Armenian delegation, Heritage parliamentary group reported.

“On October 5, 2010, Mr. Manvel Saribekyan, a citizen of Armenia died in captivity in Azerbaijan. A shepherd from a borderline village in Armenia, Mr. Manvel Saribekyan, has been captured by Azerbaijani forces at the border, while herding his livestock. Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense and the Military Prosecutor have reported that Manvel committed “suicide”. Earlier, Azerbaijan disseminated a video footage, in which signs of violence could be seen on Manvel. 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. 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. The official version of Azerbaijan that Manvel Saribekyan committed suicide is a cynical attempt to avoid responsibility for his death, whereas Azerbaijan and its officials bear direct responsibility for the life and safety of the captive,” reads the statement.