Manvel’s relatives blame RA MoD and ICRC
The relatives of Manvel Saribekyan, who allegedly committed suicide on the night of October 5, are convinced that Manvel could have been saved if the Armenian Ministry of Defense and the International Committee for the Red Cross were consistent in their actions.
Manvel Saribekyan, a 20-year-old shepherd, lived in the village of Ttujur, Chambarak. He 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. On October 5, Manvel was found hung.
Talking to A1+, Manvel's aunt Emma Balyan said he was either killed by Azerbaijanis or forced to commit suicide.
Several days after Saribekyan was taken prisoner, an interview was posted on the Youtube where Manvel under psychological pressure confesses that he is a saboteur.
"How could Manvel say such nonsense on the video? It is evident that he was tortured," Mrs. Emma said commenting on the video.
Manvel's aunt tells after Manvel was declared missing, ICRC representatives visited the village to meet Manvel's relatives and talk to villagers.
The relatives are convinced that shepherd Manvel Saribekyan lost his way due to the heavy fog.
"We still do not know whether Azerbaijanis crossed the border and took Manvel hostage or whether Manvel went astray on the frontline. When asked about the whereabouts of Armenian border guards, MoD representatives said they cannot stand a border guard at every five meters," said Emma Balayan.
Neither the Ministry of Defense, nor the ICRC gave the family verified information on Manvel's death.
The Ministry of Defense told us the sides had agreed to exchange captives on September 27 but for some unknown reasons the exchange did not take place," she said.
Earlier, the ICRC told the family they had seen Manvel and he was in a good shape, Manvel's aunt told A1+. They also said an exchange was planned in the near future. Later, it turned out that no one had visited Manvel.
Today ICRC representatives visited Manvel's family to inform the sad news. They said Manvel might still be alive, as Azerbaijan had not presented a certificate of death.
"We are still hopeful that Manvel will return," said Mrs. Emma.
She says Manvel was a shy and assiduous fellow who completed his military service four months ago. On returning home, Manvel shouldered the care of his parents, two brothers and sister.
