January 26, 2009 – January 26, 2012: still no compensation from the government for the looted shops

The looting of January 26, 2009 is the responsibility of the current government; such was the declaration of the members of the association of traders and shop owners at CITIC and Supreme Center, two important high-tech shopping malls which were completely vandalized during that day that was later called as “Dark Monday”. These traders and shop owners also said that they are still mourning for their losses until now.

So, in order to commemorate that day, all the shop owners and personnel working in these two malls were wearing black T -shirt to mark this event that has deeply affected them and whose impacts have not yet completely disappeared. Black banners were also erected in the buildings. Many politicians and leaders that have taken place since 2009 have promised to help the victims of January 26 looting. 

However, none of these promises have been realized so far. At the same time, rumors spread that the Tax Administration and the Department of Commerce have benefitted the victims with easy financial options to help them recover after the looting. They have hammered, however, that no aid from the government has yet reached them. “If we could recover from our losses, it was thanks to our own effort. We really need the government’s help, but that has not happened yet,” they noted.