Protesting Ban on Street Trade, Yerevan Vendors Sell Produce Outside Government Building

Those protesting the ban on street trade in Yerevan held a protest demonstration outside the government building today. The protesting vendors had brought with them fruit and vegetables, which they placed in baskets outside the building and began to sell. Assisting them in this process was Heritage Party MP Zaruhi Postanjyan.

Demonstrators Gayane Muradyan and Kima Grigoryan told journalists they have been fighting for 6 months, but no one has been paying any attention to them.

“I have twin sons serving in the army, what dirt shall I throw on my head that I cannot send anything to my children? And my husband is ill,” said Muradyan.

Grigoryan told reporters that Yerevan City Hall’s idea to build mini-markets in different areas around the city hasn’t materialized. “Let their mini-market stick to their heads. There is no mini-market. And in the [regular] markets, they want 3,000–4,000 drams per day [for rent] — how am I supposed to pay that much money?”

Gayane Muradyan, in turn, said if she was given a job, she wouldn’t be selling on the street, but, according to her, they don’t take anyone older than 25.

Note, several police officers, gathered in the area, did not interfere in the protest.