In Yerevan, demolition of kiosks started

This morning people with equipment for demolition of street kiosks and booths came to Papazyan Street in the Yerevan community of Arabkir. Their actions were accompanied by violent protests of the owners, who find the decision of the city authorities unlawful.

The indignant owners were shouting at the official representatives of the Arabkir community of and policemen who tried to maintain order. One of the owners complained that a month ago the Mayoralty forced all of them to paint their kiosks in the same colour in order not to spoil the street's appearance; and then all of a sudden a new decision was made to demolish their trading facilities whatsoever.

"Why had they forced us to paint and repair the kiosks, and now they demolish them? Do we have a lot of money to waste it? Two families make their living from this kiosk; and, furthermore, I help my aunt and other relatives. Do they want all us move away? Can you imagine, some people prefer the Altai Territory to Armenia, because they have brought us to this situation," the entrepreneur expresses his indignation.

The woman-owner of another booth was shouting at the policemen who cordoned off her property: "Can you understand that this booth earns money for a piece of bread?"

Armen Martirosyan, Stepan Safaryan and Zarui Postandjyan, the MPs from the oppositional faction "Heritage" also came to Papazyan Street. They tried to prevent dismantling of the kiosks.

The policemen were pushing the protesters, including women. The MP Armen Martirosyan repeatedly intervened in the occurring scuffles. "Stop beating people! You are beating people!" he shouted.

Several hours later the demolition of the kiosks was stopped, since the equipment was overheated; the policemen and officials from prefect's office left the street. Some of the kiosk owners told journalists that they wanted to continue their protest, including near the building of the government.