Self-Immolation Attempt and Tear Gas: Arrests at a Notorious Butcher Shop on Khorenatsi Street

Eight meat vendors working at Yerevan's “Gumi” market have been arrested. This was reported to Auroranews by the press secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Narek Sargsyan.

“During a dispute between the employees of the Food Safety Inspectorate and gathered citizens, one of the citizens poured gasoline on himself and attempted self-immolation, which was prevented by the police. An additional seven individuals involved in the incident were arrested on suspicion of hooliganism and intentional damage to property and were taken to the police station,” Sargsyan stated.

According to him, the necessary documents for the arrested individuals are being prepared to be submitted to the investigative body.

It is noteworthy that a tense situation had developed at the “Gumi” market since early morning, as the staff of the Food Safety Inspectorate, escorted by police, attempted to confiscate meat from the vendors, justifying that it was being sold in violation of standards. When the vendors protested, a clash occurred between them and the police. The riot police used tear gas, and the condition of one of the vendors deteriorated sharply, and local citizens provided assistance to him.

Additionally, it should be remembered that on December 6, 2023, a law establishing mandatory requirements for slaughterhouse slaughter came into effect in Armenia, banning the sale of any animal origin raw materials and products resulting from non-slaughterhouse slaughter in the country. Meat sold at the market without the necessary certification should be confiscated and destroyed.