YEREVAN—After serving almost 40 years in prison, Hampig Sassounian has been freed.
“It is with incredible joy that I write to you from Armenia,” read Sassounian’s brief statement released to the public by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Western US on Friday. “After nearly 40 years, it is my honor to set foot on Armenian soil, breathe its air, drink its water, and feel the warmth of my family and loved ones. I have been overwhelmed by the years of love and support you have given me. They kept me going through the darkest of days. My deepest gratitude to everyone that has written, visited, and kept me in your hearts. I am finally home.”
Sassounian had been serving a life sentence for assassinating Turkish Consul General Kemal Arikan in Los Angeles on January 28, 1982. He was 19 years old at the time. He is now 58.
MAY THE LORD OF LORDS WHO YOU BELIEVE HIM DEEPLY HAMPIG JAN BLESS YOU FOREVER.
I was a child when you was in prison
We are neighbors.
My name is hamparsoum kochkarian who once lived in Lebanon. Rawda
Dear Hampig may God bless you and shine His face upon you. Praise God almighty for your release.
Ուրախության արցունքներով բարի գալուոտ եմ մաղթում քեզ Հայրենիքում։
God bless you Hambik Jan we had you in our prayer and hearts for 40 years 🙏enjoy your newly found freedom in an independent and free Armenia we have paid in blood for it.
Թվում է, թե ԱՄՆ-ը փոխում է քաղաքականությունն ընդհանրապես Հայաստանի նկատմամբ այս վճռորոշ ժամանակաշրջանում, երբ Հայաստանը չունի պատշաճ ղեկավարություն։
Your freedom brought us happiness
God Bless such a hero.
A true Armenian patriot, congratulations, God bless him.
Hampig Jan you are an hero and Armenia has been waiting for you to come home for a long long time.
I’m so happy to see his release. I lobbied Govenor Newsom to affirm the parole, but Newsom cowardly gave into the Turkish government and the lies it used to keep Sassounian in prison far longer than he should have served under California law. I was also deeply disappointed in my Turkish friends whose desire for punishment of Sassounian was boundless, just as boundless as their Turkish ancestors’ lust for Armenian blood and property during the Genocide. Anyway, take care Harry and enjoy what life remains for you. I just wish I could have shaken your hand and had a beer or tea with you.
Harry,I want to thank you for your kindness,and for teaching me how to play chess at a masters level. I too made out of San Quentin,and out of ICE custody. Much love brother! GOD BLESS ARMENIA! Sincerely Mario.