The Istanbul based Armenian writer, journalist, and linguist Sevan Nişanyan has again run afoul of the Turkish legal system.

On December 20, Nişanyan starts a two year jail sentence for “illegally” constructing a small cabin on his property in Şirince. The trial began some ten years ago. This is not the first time Nişanyan will see the inside of a Turkish prison as he has been outspoken on a number of sensitive issues in Turkey.

The author of “The Wrong Republic, or 51 Questions about Kemalism and Ataturk”, in addition to scores of other books, the Human Rights Association of Turkey awarded Nişanyan the “Ayşe Zarakolu Freedom of Thought" prize in 2004.In 1995, he founded the Nişanyan House Hotel in the district of Şirince, just south of Izmir, as a way to spur ethnic tourism in the area. This is where the alleged illegal construction took place.

He’s become well-known in Turkey as a champion for citizen and minority rights. What follows is a short interview I conducted with Nişanyan. Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to conduct a more extensive one with him soon.

In the past week, the Armenian press has reported that you have been sentenced to four years imprisonment. Later, the news was that the court sentenced you to two. What’s the reality?

I should say that there are several ongoing court cases against me. Yes, the two year sentence has been handed down, but I believe that I can get sentenced for another two years very soon. Another ten month sentence might soon follow.

So, the two year sentence is going into effect?

Yes, they will jail me on December 20.

As far as we know, this sentence is linked to the construction of a small hut that was found to be illegal. Is this true?

First, let me say that there have been another twenty suits filed against me. I built a tourist complex in the Şirince district of Izmir. I operate the Nişanyan House Hotel there. The Turkish authorities, in a desire to find even the smallest infraction, took me to court. It’s a fairly large operation that I run, and, naturally, the authorities found a pretext to sue me. To date, there has been no political persecution or depth to the entire court process. They simply came through another window and took me to court. I should also confess that I was expecting to get a twenty year sentence, since I thought it a lynch mob was after me and that I was being assaulted from all sides. But, in the end, I received a much lighter sentence than I expected.

Some say, you are being punished for what you wrote about the Prophet Mohammed. Do you agree?

I have written much on religious matters in recent years. I generally write about religion, especially Islam, and I try to state things that fall outside the confines of ideas either perceived or accepted by the people. This is why they want to lynch me, and why the trouble started. I have become the target of many, even those close to Erdogan. In addition, I’ve received thousands of Tweets and letters against me, even death threats. I am being sued in seven Turkish cities.

I should add that people here are not used to Armenians speaking clearly and openly. People expect Armenians to be docile and subservient, not to raise their voices, or go poking their noses around. Armenians who act according to the rules not have problems. But if an Armenian starts to openly discuss issues of public import, then a wave of enmity rises up against them.

We’ve also learnt from the press, that an online signature petition in Turkey has been launched in your defense.

There are thousands who follow my writings and pronouncements in Turkey. The signature campaign should be viewed against this backdrop. Naturally, there are those who are signing on that support me, but whom I do not know personally. But I don’t believe this campaign will change anything, because the jail verdict has already been declared. I have to serve my time. There’s no option.

On Friday, December 20, you’ll be behind bars in some Turkish prison. What’s your emotional state right now?

Everything is normal. I’m calm and collected, I hope that I’ve always done the right thing and have spoken up in the name of justice. To be honest, two or three years behind bars won’t really do me much harm.

Do you know what prison they’re taking you to?

No, it’s still not clear.

The Armenian press periodically writes about you. Do you have expectations from the press?

It’s enough that my Armenian compatriots know about my situation and that they stand by me. It means a great deal to me. I have nothing to tell the Armenian press. But I am fearful of being forgotten. Hopefully, when all this is over, I’ll have the chance to visit Armenia. I have many friends and acquaintances there via correspondence.

On a closing note, what would you like to say to our readers?

I have been enmeshed in this struggle for the past fifteen years. Now, it’s like losing a small battle in a big war. Sadly, after all these years, the Turkish authorities have finally scored a goal.