First act of “Freedom Fast” ends at Liberty Square
On the 15th day of his protest fast Heritage leader Raffi Hovannisian announced his intention to end his hunger strike. During his 15-minute speech, Hovannisian voiced his concerns over the country's domestic state, saying that the struggle did not end with the termination of the hunger strike.
Hovannisian said he was stopping the fast for the sake of citizens who had been supporting him and his family. Hovannisian said that another reason for his decision was that he had been "a bad father" for the last 15 days and failed to fulfill his familial obligations. The father of five said his daughter, Shushi, turns 18 on March 31 and that he wished to celebrate the birthday with his family.
"I am stopping the hunger strike, but it does not mean that I terminate our struggle. We will return to the square and various platforms to assess the situation in Armenia, moves of authorities and problems within the opposition," said the Heritage leader thanking everyone for moral support.
In the presence of media representatives and a crowd of supporters, a priest read a prayer, blessed the bread in his hand and asked Hovannisian to taste a piece of eat.
The presentees were also offered to taste the consecrated bread.
The oppositionist started his public action, which he called "Freedom Fast", on March 15 in protest of the current ruling regime.
