Employees of Tsarukyan-owned enterprises protest - Investigative  Committee provides no clarification on status of sealed companies

ArmInfo. Employees of the sealed enterprises owned by Gagik Tsarukyan, a well-known philanthropist, entrepreneur, and leader of the "Prosperous Armenia" party, are holding protest actions, demanding the resumption of  operations and the protection of their right to work.

Expressing their unconditional support for Tsarukyan, employees of  the "Ararat" Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory in Yerevan stated that their  employer has never infringed upon their rights. They emphasized that  wages and holiday pay have always been provided on time, and they  have been granted the ability to spend holidays with their families.  The employees urged the authorities not to involve them in legal  proceedings, asserting that they have no connection to the ongoing  developments. "We want nothing more than to return to our work," they  stated.

The protesters also expressed doubts about the authorities'  commitment to democratic principles, given the methods they claim  they are using. "What kind of democracy can we talk about if the  rights of several thousand people are not protected?" they said,  noting that each employee has a family to support, as well as loans,  taxes, and other obligations that must be fulfilled in a timely  manner.  According to the staff, they are simply seeking clarity  regarding the future of the enterprises. "At the very least, they  should tell us when the companies will resume operations," they  requested.

The facilities have been idle for a week. The protesters argue that  this downtime is negatively impacting not only the social well-being  of thousands of Armenian citizens but also the country's economy and  its international business reputation, particularly as several of  these enterprises are internationally recognized brands that export  products abroad.

Employees of the "Multi Stone" facility in Abovyan expressed  bewilderment that such actions are being taken against a person who  has created thousands of jobs in the country, thereby helping to  alleviate social hardships for many Armenian families.

The workers declared that they will continue to fight for their  rights and, if necessary, are prepared to block roads. The protesters  marched to the local office of the Investigative Committee to inquire  about when operations would resume; however, no officials addressed  them, and they received no clarification.  Ultimately, the employees  decided to gather tomorrow at 9:00 AM at the headquarters of the  Investigative Committee of Armenia in Yerevan to demand concrete  answers.