Protests against mayor's decision continue

Dozens of people from different districts of Yerevan gathered today outside the Mayor's Office to continue their protest against Mayor Karen Karapetyan's decision to ban street vending.

The protesters were furious at the mayor's decision that had left many of them jobless.

"They are forcing us to commit murder or burglary to feed our children," one of the protesters said.

Several dozen police officers controlling the area wouldn't allow the crowd approach the municipality building.

"They have already received answers to their questions," one of the policemen told Tert.am.

Women were yelling, calling for someone to come out and give some explanation. But their demands remained unanswered.
Deputy Head of the Police State Protection Service Khachik Avetisyan asked the protesters to apply to the relevant departments of their district communities to have their problem resolved.

But this stirred up more anger as the vendors said they'd be offered to trade in markets, which wasn't beneficial to most of them.

"Seventy percent of Yerevan is engaged in open-air vending and this is their means of survival. Ok, I agree to pay for a pavilion and even pay taxes if I stay in my place," said one of the protesters.