The Russian military and a human rights organization started an investigation over the death of a conscript serviceman, Albert Kiyamov, who died five days after joining the forces, the Baikal Human Rights Center's press secretary said.
Daurtseva said the young man's parents were told about the tragedy the following day. The command officially reported that Kiyamov had committed suicide by jumping out the fourth-floor window of the barracks.
"The parents did not believe the suicide version and asked for help from the Baikal Human Rights Center to reveal the truth over their son's death," Natalia Daurtseva said, adding it was not the first fatal or injury case among the military personnel in the Baikal region's military unit.
The Kiyamovs claim the military unit, where the late draftee had served, was notorious for bullying, but the servicemen were afraid to speak about it because of threats from military officials.
According to the boy's relatives, the conscripts were beaten in the train on the way Transbaikal garrison.
Daurtseva said the late soldier had a bruised left eye along with other wounds and abrasions on his body.
The military prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the incident.
All Russian men between the ages of 18 and 27 are obliged by law to perform one year of military service, but reports of hazing and harsh conditions encourage people to evade conscription by bribing military officials and doctors for medical exemption certificates.
CHITA, May 31 (RIA Novosti)
