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Russian lawmaker demands investigation into death of first serviceman in Syria, says official explanation is suspect

Source: RBC

Duma deputy Valery Rashkin has sent an official request to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, demanding a thorough investigation into the death of Vadim Kostenko, Russia's first military casualty in Syria. The news agency RBC says it has obtained a copy of Rashkin's letter to Shoigu.

In his request, Rashkin criticizes the Defense Ministry's claim that Kostenko killed himself, saying this version of events "isn't supported by his family, friends, or those who knew the contract soldier." Rashkin insists that the results of an investigation should be made open to the public.

Rashkin is also asking the Defense Ministry to report on how reliably the safety of Russian soldiers in Syria is being protected.

RBC

In late October, bloggers and relatives first reported the death of Vadim Kostenko, who was serving in the Russia military in Syria. Later, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed his death, saying he killed himself after quarreling with his girlfriend. Kostenko's parents say they don't believe he committed suicide. 

For more on Kostenko's death, see A Russian soldier dies in Syria: What we know about the death of 19-year-old Vadim Kostenko

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