YEREVAN. – The Armenian capital city Yerevan police on Monday forcibly removed those fighting against the electricity price increase in the country, who had assembled in front of the Public Services Regulatory Commission building and had blocked the way of a police car, so as not to have their two detained friends be taken to the police station (photo).     

The law enforcement officers formed a human chain in front of the police car and, as a result, they were able to forcibly open the way of the police vehicle, the Armenian News-NEWS.am reporter informed from the scene.  

The street, where the Public Services Regulatory Commission building is located, is closed at present, and the police are detaining the activists who are sitting in the street.  

According to preliminary data, so far at least ten people are detained. Yerevan Deputy Police Chief Valeri Osipyan likewise is in the area.

As of August 1, the Public Services Regulatory Commission expects to increase the electricity price in Armenia by 10 percent thus becoming 42 drams (approx. US 10 cents), per cubic meter, for most residents.