Well-known Istanbul Armenian writer, linguist, journalist, and columnist Sevan Nișanyan, has escaped prison and fled Turkey, local mass media reported.

“The bird has flown. Wish the same for 80 million left behind,” Nişanyan  tweeted on Friday, Armenian Weekly reported.

Nişanyan confirmed the reports to Turkish Habertürk news agency by phone but declined to give details.

Sevan Nișanyan was sentenced to 11 years and 6 months for carrying out illegal construction.

He has constantly raised the Armenian Genocide issue in Turkey, and stood out by his fearless demeanor in this country.