Fatima Zurabova, Found in Ashtarak After Being Reported Missing, Claims Regular Abuse in Ingushetia

Fatima Ahmad Zurabova, who was reported missing and later found in Ashtarak, has stated that she does not wish to return to Ingushetia due to threats against her. This was reported by Gor Abrahamyan, the spokesperson for the Investigative Committee, on his Facebook page.

“On November 10, 2023, a report was received by the linear police department at Zvartnots Airport from a citizen stating that on November 8, 2023, around 15:30, his friend’s brother’s daughter, Fatima Ahmad Zurabova, arrived at Zvartnots Airport on the Mineralnye Vody-Yerevan flight, and since that day, there has been no information about her whereabouts. A criminal case was initiated on November 11, 2023, under the first part of Article 155 of the RA Criminal Code (on the grounds of being missing), and the investigation is being conducted by the investigative department of the Kanaker-Zeytun administrative district of the Yerevan Office of the Investigative Committee,” the statement read.

On November 14, Fatima Zurabova was found by officers of the Yerevan Police Department and presented to the investigating authority. She was interrogated as a witness and testified about being subjected to regular abuse in the Republic of Ingushetia, Russia. She noted that she searched for and found an organization in Armenia that assists victims of domestic violence via the internet. After communicating with an employee of that organization, who learned of her situation, she was provided with a ticket to Armenia, and she arrived in Armenia on November 8, 2023. Fatima has settled in Ashtarak in a place rented by the organization.

She emphasized that she has not been subjected to any violence in Armenia and that no one has caused her harm. She also mentioned that she is aware that her uncles are in Armenia and they have met with her. Fatima expressed her desire not to return to Ingushetia due to threats.

As part of the ongoing investigation, the staff of the RA Police have been instructed to ensure the safety of Fatima Zurabova. She is not under any restrictions and has not had contact with any family members or relatives during her time in the investigative department,” it further stated.