Two Individuals Arrested from the “Gum” Market Remain in Custody
On December 13, tensions arose early in the morning at Yerevan’s “Gum” Market. Representatives of the Food Safety Inspectorate (FSI) arrived to monitor the activities of meat vendors. They confiscated around 1 ton of meat. They stated that the sales were being conducted in violation of regulations.
Following the confiscation, clashes broke out between the meat vendors and law enforcement officers. 8 individuals were arrested during the altercations. Due to the escalating tension, red-beret police forces were also deployed to the market. During a dispute between FSI staff and gathered citizens, one individual even poured gasoline on themselves in an attempted self-immolation, which was prevented by police intervention.
6 of the 8 individuals arrested at Yerevan’s “Gumi” Market were released after the 72-hour detention period expired. While the remaining two continue to be held in custody.
Earlier reports indicated that 5 of the arrested meat vendors had waived their right to legal representation. They were expected to be released after 72 hours, and it is possible that their charges will be limited to violations under the relevant sections of Armenia’s Administrative Offenses Code.
The meat vendors have expressed that they are not opposed to slaughtering livestock in certified slaughterhouses but pointed out that their community lacks such facilities. Traveling to other cities for slaughter is a costly endeavor.
Since December 6, 2023, a law requiring meat to be slaughtered in licensed slaughterhouses has been in effect in Armenia. The law prohibits the sale of any animal-derived products obtained through non-slaughterhouse methods, and meat sold without proper certification must be confiscated and destroyed.
As of January 2024, Armenia has 101 slaughterhouses, 2 of which are located in the Shirak region. The Food Safety Inspectorate (FSI) is confident that this number is sufficient to meet the country’s demand.