Soldier Norik Mkrtchyan Missing for 8 Months: No Information for Mother or Command

Norik Mkrtchyan, who was drafted into service on February 8, 2021, served until May 14 of that year. Since then, his mother has had no information about her son. The command has not provided any updates either. He is not listed among prisoners, deceased, or missing persons and has not participated in any combats.

Lawyer Lusine Virabyan made the statement on her Facebook page, expressing concern to the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia and the Investigative Committee of Armenia: "Dear MoD of Armenia, what have you been doing for about 8 months? Where is the soldier? How many officers have been held accountable for the mysterious disappearance of this soldier? There are other questions I have not made public yet, but I hope to get answers to them soon. Tomorrow, I will submit a very belated report of a crime," Virabyan added.

In relation to this publication, Auroranews contacted Norik Mkrtchyan's mother, Mrs. Lilith. She stated that their family lives in the village of Koghb in the Noyemberyan region, and that Norik served in Vardenis but was at a position in the village of Kut on May 14.

"The officers told us that our soldier left his position voluntarily, but I haven't been told by government agencies on what basis he left his post. They say he is on the run," said Norik's mother.

When asked if the soldier had established contact with his parents since then, Mrs. Lilith replied, "Not once. How could my child run away? I haven't heard any news from him for 8 months."