The Theory of Abducting the Missing Soldier Is Not Being Considered by the Ministry of Defense: Abrahamyan

Tigran Abrahamyan writes on his Facebook page: "I do not understand one thing clearly. On November 12, a contract soldier disappears at the border with Nakhichevan (Vahe Manukyan). The Ministry of Defense does not provide any information about this. I learned about it during a regional visit to Vayots Dzor, completely by chance during a conversation.

I sent a letter to the Ministry of Defense, and after the second attempt, they confirmed it. I also sent a letter to the Investigative Committee, from which I was informed that a criminal case had been initiated under Article 361, Part 1 of the Criminal Code—Desertion, meaning leaving the unit or place of service voluntarily to avoid military service, as well as not appearing for service with the same intent.

I am trying to analyze the soldier's motives—it’s a completely convoluted story. He is a contract soldier and was supposed to leave after his shift, and his 3-year contract was expiring. His wife mentioned in a conversation with me that they intended to sign another 3-year contract.

It seems that there were no incidents involving violations of regulations in the field. So, there doesn’t appear to be a service-related issue. It is only known that his friend had a "bag" (a term for an injury) on his foot and asked Vahe Manukyan to come down and take care of it. Vahe Manukyan came down, was at a neighboring Armenian position, and then disappeared after returning to his position.

The missing soldier is married, has three children, and I see no motive for him to leave his position and run away. It is noteworthy that the theory of abducting the soldier in the dangerous interposition area is not being considered, as I understand from the letters coming from the Ministry of Defense and the Investigative Committee.

It is difficult to say what really happened, but there are too many strange circumstances associated with this incident. I hope that the details of this case will be clarified soon, and that the whereabouts of the soldier and the circumstances of his disappearance will be determined."