BAKU

An Armenian soldier deserted and took refuge in Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry announced on Monday.

The soldier, Aro Karazyan, fled Armenian front line military troops in Fuzuli region, the ministry said in a statement.

Karazyan said in his interrogation that he had deserted due to maltreatment, according to the ministry's statement.

Kazaryan was reportedly subjected to physical and psychological pressure from his commanders and other soldiers, and his body was covered in bruises.

The ministry also released photos of the soldier and said the Armenian soldier is now under medical treatment.

*Writing by Busra Nur Bilgic Cakmak