Largest Market Closed for Reconstruction

The largest market in Tbilisi has been closed for reconstruction, triggering a protest by hundreds of traders, who fear for their jobs.

With political backing from the Labor Party and others, the protesters have been keeping vigil for several nights outside the Dezertirebi bazaar in downtown Tbilisi. Police, however, forced them out of the market overnight on August 4.

Vice-Mayor of Tbilisi Mamuka Akhvlediani said on August 4 an investor with plans to construct a new shopping mall, which will also incorporate a market for agriculture products, would secure employment for the traders.

?Meanwhile, the 1,084 traders who have been working in the bazaar, will be able to continue working in the other eight markets in Tbilisi,? he said at a news conference.

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