Lerna has relocated to Armenia for already one and a half years.
Lerna, who lives in Yerevan with her Istanbul-Armenian husband and their 4 year old boy, says they should have made the decision on coming to Armenia long time ago.
“It is time for Istanbul-Armenians to come to Armenia” – Lerna says in Armenian. She has learnt Armenian after arriving to Armenia.
My parents are in Istanbul, because Sevag is there…..
Speaking on her decision to come to Istanbul, Lerna told ARMENPRESS the absence of any progress in her brother’s murder trial forced her to leave the country.
“I have a little boy, I wouldn’t like him to grow up in such unlawfulness, that’s why I decided to move. My husband wanted to relocate the most. He traveled here for a few times and eventually told me – Lerna, we cannot live here anymore, all of this can end badly. Of course, I wanted to stay there, because Sevag is there, I wanted to live despite everything, however I was very anxious, especially for my child. You never know what can happen, I am especially scared from explosions…..Six years ago someone left our house and never came back. I was scared that someday the same can happen to my son. That’s why I said – we must go to Armenia. I had to come earlier, that was my mistake” – Lerna said.
Sevag’s and Lerna’s parents refused to leave Turkey, they remain in Istanbul. “My parents are there, because Sevag is there. Regardless of everything, a part of me remains there too”, Lerna said.
Sevag is buried, while his murderer remains free…..
Sevag’s murder’s court proceedings are continuing for six years already, without any result, while the killer hasn’t spent even one single day in jail. The case has been transferred to a civilian court from the initial military court after a state of emergency was imposed in Turkey.
Lerna says in the current messy situation in Turkey it is difficult to understand what result the trial will have.
“It’s been already six years, it would be a wonder if a fair result happens” – Lerna said smilingly, however her smile momentarily turned into sorrow, realizing nothing will bring back her brother.
“What should happen after it – Sevag won’t return any more…..We came here for him, we opened a café. He really wanted to do this kind of thing after returning from the Army. Now, by cooking his favorite meals my soul gets calmer a bit. But Sevag isn’t here to try them…..”, she said.
Lerna is convinced that holding her brother’s killer accountable for will to some degree bring closure to their family.
“Millions, even billions of compensations can’t return Sevag. The murdered must be jailed. Impunity will be the reason for new crimes”, she said.
Lerna and her family’s life has changed a lot after Sevag’s murder.
“That man changed our lives, however his life continues the same way today. This is especially painful for me. For six years we entered the courtroom through the same door with the murderer. He was sitting ...
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