No Response from Government, Street Traders Continue Protests Outside UN

Protests against the city’s ban on street trade continued today, this time outside the Armenian government building in Yerevan’s Republic Square. Shouting “Answer!”, the protestors, however, not receiving a response from government staff, decided to continue their protest outside the UN office.

Recall, street vendors, who’ve been protesting for more than a month, blocked the entrances to Yerevan City and SAS supermarkets yesterday, sarcastically encouraging customers to do their shopping here and make “these mafiosos richer.”

Protestors were carrying signs and placards on which it said, “Armenians are being persecuted in their homeland,” “We are going to  re-conquer our rights at any price,” and “Lfik Samo + Dodi Gago + Nemets Rubo + authorities = mafia.” (Note, “Lfik Samo” refers to Yerevan City CEO and Armenian MP Samvel Aleksanyan, “Dodi Gago” refers to notorious businessman and Armenian MP Gagik Tsarukyan and “Nemets Rubo” refers to Football Federation of Armenia President and Armenian MP Ruben Hayrapetyan.) A few more had been added to the list today.

MP Larisa Alaverdyan today approached protestors outside the government building and spoke with them. Then protestors went to the UN office where they were shouting “Help!”

A security official with the UN office came out to the protestors to find out what their complaints were about. About 10 minutes ago, that same employee had informed demonstrators that they can wait until the office employees get in touch with the UN office directors and it becomes apparent, who can meet with some of the protestors.

At the time, protestors were still waiting outside the UN building.