YEREVAN. – Members of the “No to Plunder” initiative, which has resumed its fight against the electricity price hike in Armenia, on Tuesday assembled on the sidewalk across the Office of the President, and they are demanding to meet with President Serzh Sargsyan. (photos)
The Armenian News-NEWS.am reporter informed from the scene that the capital city Yerevan police initially attempted to obstruct the protesters’ movement arguing that their action was not sanctioned. But later, they permitted the demonstrators to stand on the sidewalk across the presidential office.
The Deputy Police Chief of Yerevan, Valeri Osipyan, warned the activists that he is allowing them to hold their protest at where they want provided that the activists promise not to cross the sidewalk.
Sometime thereafter, however, about two dozen demonstrators tried to cross into the sidewalk of the president’s office, but the police officers forcibly removed them.
The situation is tense at Baghramyan Avenue, where the presidential palace is located. About one hundred demonstrators are whistling and demanding that the President receive them.
A large number of police officers are patrolling the demonstration. Clashes are occurring between them and the protesters. The T-shirt of “No to Plunder” member Maksim Sargsyan was torn during one such scuffle.
