Workers of Tsarukyan-owned factory press government to end shutdown

Employees of Multi Stone, a manufacturing company owned by detained Armenian opposition leader Gagik Tsarukyan, staged another protest on Wednesday, demanding that authorities allow the factory to resume operations after it has remained closed for 10 days.

The company is among several businesses owned by Tsarukyan that have been sealed by law enforcement authorities.

"We've been idle for 10 days," one employee told reporters. "We've appealed to everyone we could, but no one has given us an answer. Everywhere we turn, we're told there is no response."

The workers said they had gathered again to seek clarity from the government about when, or whether, operations would be allowed to resume.

"Mr. Tsarukyan built these factories from scratch and created jobs," the employee said. "These businesses also contribute to the state budget through taxes, helping fund government spending."

The employee warned that workers were prepared to intensify their protests if authorities failed to respond.

"If we don't get an answer today, we'll take more decisive action. Our patience has run out," the employee said. "We're ready for anything because we don't know what else to do. If the country won't support us, we'll have to do whatever we can to provide for our families."

The employee also criticized authorities for failing to communicate how long the closure might last or whether workers would receive compensation during the shutdown.

"No one has told us whether it will be one day or 10 days more," the employee said. "No one has told us to stay home while assuring us our wages will be paid."

Tsarukyan has been detained on charges of money laundering and fraud widely regarded as politically motivated.