Norayr Nahapetyan, a contract soldier of the Vazgen Sargsyan military unit of the Republic of Armenia, has been missing for four years. In 2020, the 27-year-old officer was wounded in the 44-Day War, and Norayr’s sudden disappearance is still a mystery to his family members. The family members of Norayr, who live in the village of Hatsik, Armavir region, have contacted relevant structures, but have not received any information about the officer. They received the last phone call from the him on October 19, 2020.

Norayr’s mother, 58-year-old Alvard Grigoryan, reported that they had contacted an Azerbaijani who confirmed that her son was alive. However, Azerbaijan does not officially confirm the officer’s captivity. According to the mother of the missing person, the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia and the International Committee of the Red Cross regularly send inquiries to Azerbaijan, but official Baku does not confirm that Norayr Nahapetyan is among the 23 captured Armenians.

“I don’t know, it’s a hopeless situation. We have no hope from anyone, neither from our government, nor from any structure. Norayr was a commander in the Vazgen Sargsyan military unit. During the war, they went to the Jrakan region for observation. His soldiers said that he was wounded by a sniper shot and lost consciousness. They were scared and left with the order to retreat. Then when they returned, their car was in place, but Norayr was not found. They searched for my son about 10 times in a radius of 700 meters in that area and there was no result. We hope that he is a prisoner and will come home. But we are gradually becoming desperate and our hopes for the government have been completely lost. Azerbaijan neither confirms nor denies the captivity of Norayr. We last spoke with the Azerbaijani a month ago. The latter sent a voice message that Noroy’s health is not good and he was in the hospital for 3 days, allegedly suffering from a Yerevan disease. We asked why they didn’t send a video recording; they said that Norayr was brought by Azerbaijani special forces and they don’t allow filming. They only send voice messages. We reported this to the National Security Service, but they didn’t do anything. We have no hope from them either. I have put my hope only in God. My child has been missing for four years and no one has taken any interest in us, in our family…”, Alvard Grigoryan said indignantly.

Norayr’s mother has health problems. She hoped that the captives would return after COP 29, but now, desperate, she doesn’t know who to turn to. According to her, the Azerbaijani had assured her that if the group of captives returned, Norayr would be with them.

“I lost hope and thought. Why do I live?’ But then I look at these children and see that they need me. I’m a little afraid for my elder son. He says, ‘Mom, take care of yourself: if something happens to you, I’ll go into the barn and hang myself.’ Oh, it’s very difficult… I’m constantly getting sick, hiding my thoughts and feelings inside. I haven’t seen my son in my dreams even once during these four years. I can’t live in such an uncertain state. I don’t know what to answer my granddaughter, Alvard, when she asks about her father. She often sees her father in her dreams and cries, wanting her father, asking where her father is. My heart is breaking, but I can’t do anything,” the mother of the missing person talks about her difficult phychological situation.

Mrs. Alvard had five children. Her husband died nine years ago. Only the daughter and Norayr are married. The son’s disappearance has disrupted the normal life of their large family. For four years now, almost every Saturday and Sunday, the family has been going to church, asking God for help. In this uncertain and hopeless situation, they are supported by representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross, who regularly visit the family and try to be by their side.

“You know what hurts my heart? That [our government] gives Azerbaijan whatever it demands, but wants nothing in return. At first, he [means the Prime Minister of RA] said, ‘Be patient for two months; the captives will come,’ but it’s been four years already. A psychologist worked with me for exactly two years, but there is no change. I am in the same state. My doctor is already recommending that I see a psychiatrist. We were completely cut off from society, and it is only recently that we find the strength to communicate with people,” added the mother.

Zara Mayilyan

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