NY Hyortik AYF Chapter
69-23 47th Ave.
Woodside, NY 11377
(718) 651-1530
February 7, 2008
For Immediate Release
Feeling the Spirit, Reading the Words of Hampig Sassounian
NEW YORK–On February 3, the New York Hyortik Armenian Youth Federation
(AYF) chapter connected with ideas and a spirit whose body is trapped. The
chapter read a letter from political prisoner Hampig Sassounian, in response
to a Christmas and New Years card they had sent him. During this past
holiday season, the chapter prepared Christmas cards, distributing them to
family, friends, community organizations and regional bodies. However after
learning the story of Sassounian’s incarceration, some members decided it
was important to show him that he is still remembered.
In the letter, Sassounian tells members to "remain active and unrelenting,
like bees, in our pursuit of justice for the Armenian Cause." He goes on to
say that he follows the developments in Armenia and the diaspora and advises
the group that they visit Armenia and help it prosper. Finally he notes that
the AYF must work with other organizations to achieve these goals.
Along with Sassounian there currently are three Armenian political prisoners
still incarcerated in Canada. These men chose to serve the idea of the
nation without having visited the homeland; it was only a place for them to
sense, feel and hear about. Despite this, they gave up everything in order
to bring the Armenian Cause to the forefront of political minds, to show
that Armenians would no longer stand to have their rights pushed aside.
In 1982 Sassounian was accused of being a gunman used to assassinate Turkish
Consul General Kemal Arikan in Los Angeles. Although pleading not guilty,
the Court convicted him of first-degree murder and sentenced him to life in
prison, a decision that was later changed to 25 years to life. Even though
the case has been revisited, the sentence has not been overturned until this
day.
"I was overwhelmed with emotion when I heard the words of the 25-year
political prisoner," said Hyortik member Toros Asadourian.
To write to Hampig Sassounian, send letters to:
Hampig Sassounian
CDCR#: C-88440; Cell #: 1167
California Men’s Colony State Prison
P.O. Box 8101
San Luis Obispo, CA 93409-8101
From: Baghdasarian