Mnatsakanyan intends to continue struggle outside prison walls
Roman Mnatsakanyan, who was arrested in the wake of the disputed February 2008 presidential vote, learned about his release by sheer accident.
"I did not know that I would be released on parole. On that day I was given five minutes to get ready for the court sitting," Mnatsakanyan told A1+.
Mnatsakanyan was sentenced to 3,6 years in prison. He was to be released in about six months. He was charged with violence against a representative of authorities.
Mnatsakanyan says he was well treated in Vanadzor penitentiary. Neither his cellmates not the prison staff exerted pressure on him. He did not apply for amnesty as he did not admit his guilt. When in prison, Mnatsakanyan followed the country's political developments and was encouraged by the protests in support of political prisoners.
Asked why the other political prisoners were not paroled, Mnatsakanyan said, "People like Sasun Mikaelyan and Nikol Pashinyan disturb the authorities. The regime does not want them to support people in their struggle for justice."
Mnatsakanyan is going to continue the struggle outside the prison walls.
