Political prisoner Zhora Sapeyan is released and will continue political activity

An Armenian political prisoner has been released from Artik penitentiary this morning after spending 2.5 half year in prison, an Armenian National Congress (HAK) activist Tigran Arakelyan told Tert.am.

Immediately after his release Zhora Sapeyan is said to have gone home, Ashnak village, Aragatsotn marz (province).

"We welcomed him with 200 people or so, with flags, chanting and have come now to their place in Ashnak. We are drinking, celebrating [his release], and having fun. Let all other political prisoners be released too," said Tigran Arakelyan.

In his words Mr Sapeyan intends to continue the fight till the end and will participate in an event to be held on August 1 in the vicinity of the statue of famous Armenian painter Martiros Saryan near the Opera House in the center of Yerevan.

This event is set to celebrate the second anniversary of the establishement of HAK - currently most influential opposition movement in Armenia that brings together 18 political parties.

Zhora Sapeyan was sentenced in 2008 over huliganism charges during the 2008 presidential campaign.

His brother, Mkrtich Sapeyan, who had also been imprisoned on similar charges, was released this January.