YEREVAN. – Expert in Turkic studies Murad Bodjolyan charged with espionage on behalf of Turkey was released in Armenia on Friday.

He was detained in 2002 on espionage charges and was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.  Prosecutors said he was cooperating with famous Turkish journalists CNN reporter Mehmet Ali Birand and NTV reporter Midat Bereket.

Bodjolyan was taken to prison hospital for several times and suffered a heart attack.

The opposition Armenian National Congress said Murad Bodjolyan was jailed on politically motivated charges.