“We’ve all lost our jobs, but we don’t intend to back down”: Multi Tabak employee

Employees of the Multi Tabak (part of the Multi Group concern) tobacco factory owned by Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP), are holding a protest. The factory has been closed for nine days now, leaving dozens of people without work.

One of the protest participants, speaking with journalists, condemned the government’s actions. According to her, law enforcement agencies could have carried out inspections without halting production, so that hundreds of families would not suffer.

“We’ve all lost our jobs, but given the current situation, we don’t intend to back down. The government illegally sealed our factory, it’s been nine days now. I’ve been working here for four years, since the day it opened, and I’m very happy with my job. This job lets me support my family and my children. Why should my colleagues and I be left out on the street today?” she said.