Ararat Cement Plant employees protest its closure amid probe

Employees of Armenia's Ararat Cement Plant staged a protest on Thursday after the facility remained sealed by investigators, leaving hundreds of workers unable to return to their jobs.

The demonstration comes after law enforcement officers on Monday carried out searches at the residence of businessman and Prosperous Armenia Party leader Gagik Tsarukyan, as well as nearly all facilities under the Multi Group Concern. Investigators also sealed the Ararat Cement Plant as part of the investigation.

Ararat Cement Director Artyom Poghosyan said authorities have provided no timeline for lifting the restrictions despite the company's requests to resume production.

"They apparently came to carry out an order, sealed the plant and left," Poghosyan told reporters. "We asked them what we were supposed to do next, but no one could give us an answer. We've contacted the Investigative Committee and asked them to remove the seals so we can get back to work and people can earn a living, but we still haven't received a response."

Poghosyan also alleged that investigators exceeded the scope of the legal authorization presented during the searches.

"We told investigators that their actions were unlawful and beyond the authority granted in their warrant," he said. "Their response was, 'We're doing our job. If you disagree, file a complaint elsewhere.'"

The protesting workers said the prolonged closure has left them worried about missing paychecks and falling behind on loan repayments and other financial obligations.

"The factory is what puts food on our tables," one employee said. "Now a single official has jeopardized the livelihoods of all these people. Who is going to protect our rights?"