Former Defense Ministry Building Residents Remain Outside; Two Young Children Hospitalized

Residents who had settled in the former Defense Ministry building and have been evicted from there have been living outside for a week now, setting up tents near the building.

One resident of the tent said, “Two underage children who can’t walk yet are in the hospital. One was taken yesterday, and the other today. The women are feeling unwell, and among the men, two have also worsened. The ambulance has provided assistance. We will remain here until we achieve our goal of returning to our homes—where our army was formed, where our commander was born, and from where we achieved victory.”

Another woman mentioned that they spent three days outside before setting up the tent: “We haven’t been given permission to set up the second tent. During this time, many have approached us, including deputies. One deputy helped us set up the first tent. We have received no response from any government bodies. We are waiting for them to approach, hoping there is a president who will want to see the situation of the people.”

It is worth noting that on February 16, the police removed residents from the building based on a letter from the State Revenue Committee, demanding the removal of illegal occupants. On that day, 26 individuals were detained under Article 182 of the Administrative Offenses Code of the Republic of Armenia (Failure to comply with the lawful demand of military personnel of the police or police officers).

The former Defense Ministry building ceased to serve the Ministry of Defense in 2008. In April last year, the government decided to transfer it to the State Property Management Committee, which then handed the building over to the State Revenue Committee. It is to be transformed into a center for external economic activity of the entity.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has stated that it is carrying out necessary work within its authority to ensure temporary accommodation for residents living in that building. At present, the State Property Management Committee has provided housing for 12 families.