AZE.US
A dispute has emerged at Baku’s 8th Kilometer market after a group of women said they were no longer allowed to sell goods from their usual spots outside the market area.
According to Baku TV, more than 20 women claim they have been trading in the area for many years, with some saying they have worked there for two decades or longer. The market is widely known among residents as the “Vosmoy Bazaar.”
The sellers said they used to sell small quantities of food and other goods, including yogurt, bread, greens and fruit. They say the income from the market helped them support their families and repay loans.
“I have been working at this market for 20 years. They used to ask us to move from time to time, but it was never like this. Now they do not even let us sell from our hands,” one of the women told Baku TV.
Another seller said she could not afford to rent a place inside the market.
“Where should we go? Each of us has only one or two bags of goods. To take a place inside, I need money. I do not have that opportunity,” she said.
The women said they had not been allowed to trade at the site since June 7. According to them, when they try to return to their former spots, their photos are taken and sent to the police department.
The sellers insist they are not blocking traffic and say the area where they worked is part of the market. However, Baku TV reported that the market administration declined to comment on the matter.
An official response cited by the channel said that organizing street trade in places not designated by the relevant executive authorities is against the law.
The statement said illegal street trading can lead to the occupation of sidewalks, restrictions on pedestrian movement and unsanitary conditions. It added that police officers regularly carry out preventive measures to stop such violations.
The dispute has left the sellers arguing that they have lost a long-standing source of income, while officials say trade must be carried out only in legally designated areas.
AZE.US