Armenia: Employees of Armenia's Ararat Cement plant staged a protest on 9 July 2026 after the facility remained sealed by investigators, leaving hundreds of workers unable to return to their jobs, according to Panorama news. The demonstration comes after law enforcement officers carried out searches on 6 July 2026 at the residence of businessman and leader of the Prosperous Armenia party Gagik Tsarukyan. Investigators sealed the cement plant as part of the investigation. Company director Artyom Poghosyan said that 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 local press. "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 authorisation 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 that the prolonged closure has left them worried about missing paycheques 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 jeopardised the livelihoods of all these people. Who is going to protect our rights?"