Soldier Returned from Captivity Recalled Despite Health Issues

Narek Sirunyan, who was returned from captivity during the summer, has been recalled to military service despite suffering from a number of health and psychological issues. He is reported to have injuries in five parts of his body. This information was shared in a statement from the Vanadzor office of the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly.

The statement specifically mentions: “According to the words of his father, besides still not having psychologically recovered, he is unable to stand for long periods and cannot move his arms freely.”

Despite undergoing a medical examination after the intervention of the Vanadzor office of the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly, no health issues were resolved, and he has been transferred back to his military unit, continuing to serve with unresolved health problems.

It is important to note that Narek Sirunyan was drafted into the army in August 2020, participated in the war that started in September, and was taken captive at the end of November with multiple injuries. He returned from captivity in June 2021 and was recalled again in December.

Following his father's alert, on December 12, 2021, the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly sent a letter to Armenia's Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan regarding ensuring Narek Sirunyan’s effective physical and psychological rehabilitation. They also requested information on what medical treatment and psychological support the former serviceman had received up until that point.

The Ministry of Defense stated that before being recalled, he underwent psychotherapy and received a 15-day leave, asserting that he is also under the supervision of a military psychologist during his service. Regarding his physical health, the Ministry indicated that their examinations revealed no need for inpatient treatment.

Following this response, the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly submitted a second request to the Minister of Defense, but has yet to receive a reply.