In Yerevan, Police Disperse Protest against Increase in Electricity Tariffs

Early in the morning of June 23, police used physical force and special means and rigidly dispersed a protest against the increase in electricity tariffs in the center of Yerevan. Recall that the protesters since 7 p.m. on June 22 conducted a sit-down protest, blocking the street Baghramyan. They demanded that President Serzh Sargsyan annul the decision to raise tariffs. Participants stated that the action will be of unlimited duration and they will not leave until their demand is met.

In the center of Yerevan there were large forces of police and buses. Police repeatedly warned that the rally was "illegal" and threatened to use force. Today at dawn, the police launched a crackdown. Initially, they used water cannons, and then people in civilian dress began to grab the protesters and push them into police cars. Most of the participants were taken to the police. However, the police also hit journalists. The police prevented the journalists' professional activities and tried to snatch their cameras, roughly grabbing and pushing them. Several journalists were also detained. -02D-