YEREVAN (PanArmenia.net)—Armenia’s Defense Ministry confirmed reports that Armenian officials obtained additional information on the inhumane treatment Armenian serviceman Hakob Injighulyan suffered while in Azeri captivity, along with instances of gross violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, Tert.am reported.

 

Defense Ministry Spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisyan stated in a Facebook post, “A video record is available clearly showing the violence used against Injighulyan, which was a means of forcing him into making false statements. It also accurately identifies the Azerbaijani saboteurs, who allegedly ‘were visiting their relatives’ graves.’”

“The video record has not been made public for ethical reasons. However, on the basis of a confidentiality agreement, it may be provided to international human rights organisations and diplomatic missions,” the Facebook post said.

Injighulyan, captured by Azerbaijan in August 2013 returned to Armenia in early October 2014.

Injughulyan was first transferred to a UN refugee camp, with the news given to his family on August 28. “Hakob was reluctant to leave for the third country, but the only choice he was given was between leaving for the third country or dying,” the captive’s brother, Harutyun, said at the time.

In a conversation with journalists, the serviceman said that he had gone astray on the day of captivity, negligently crossing the Azerbaijani border from Nagorno Karabakh. He promised to continue his service in the military, adding that he still has 9 months of army service left. Injighulyan further recounted hardships experienced in Azeri captivity.

“Yes, I was beaten. They threatened to shoot me to death. The interviews were given under pressure; they would call and tell me what to say. And before the Red Cross visits too, they would call me to give instructions; they would read my letters…” he said, confirming that his departure for the third country before arrival to Armenia was prompted by Azeri threats of death.

Injighulyan said he was held in a five-story penitentiary for servicemen, where he had also met other Armenians. He said he was offered medical help only once after he got harshly beaten.