Behbudov: Armenian Soldier Expressed Desire to Go to Another Country

The head of the Azerbaijani Committee against Torture Elchin Behbudov during the monitoring of the guardhouse of the Military Police of the Ministry of Defense met with the Armenian serviceman Arsen Baghdasaryan contained there along with 9 prisoners yesterday.

According to Behbudov, Baghdasaryan did not complain about the conditions of his detention.

"On the contrary, he noted with appreciation that three times a day he is fed hot meals, given cigarettes and provided civilian clothes," said Behbudov.

According to him, Baghdasaryan said that he is a resident of Khankendi and served in the Armenian army on a contract basis.

Baghdasaryan also spoke about the plight of soldiers in the Armenian army, their beating and insulting by their officers and sergeants, and their provision of expired products.

Baghdasaryan said he does not want to return to Armenia and wants to go to another country.

With consent of Baghdasaryan, Behbudov got photographed with him and recorded the conversation on tape.

As part of the monitoring of places of detention, the human rights activist previously met with civilians and soldiers from Armenia.

"Unfortunately, in conversation with us, they expressed complete satisfaction with their content and were grateful for it, but when they left for Armenia or for a third country, they told stories about the alleged beating and torturing them. Therefore, to avoid such speculation I recorded the conversation and was photographed with the Armenian serviceman," said Behbudov.

Earlier, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan reported that Baghdasaryan was captured Dec. 26, 2013 when curbing the attempt of an Armenian reconnaissance and sabotage group to penetrate in the Aghdam direction. -06D--