YEREVAN. – President of the National Assembly (NA), Galust Sahakyan, stands ready to discuss the situation regarding the police crackdown of the sit-in by demonstrators that fight against the decision on electricity price hike in Armenia.

The parliament speaker announced about the aforesaid at the NA session that kicked off on Tuesday.

“Please do not discuss the matter at the [NA Sessions’] Hall; it’s not on the [session’s] agenda,” Sahakyan stated. “But all those interested may discuss this matter during recess, and I’m ready to take part in this discussion.”

The “No to Plunder” initiative had unexpectedly announced, during the June 19 rally against the increase in the price of electricity, that they were starting a three-day sit-in at Liberty Square in downtown capital city Yerevan, and giving the authorities deadline until 7pm Monday, June 22. They stated that if the electricity price-hike decision was not canceled by then, they will head towards the Office of the President, which is located on Baghramian Avenue. Once the deadline had expired, the demonstrators marched towards the avenue. The police, however, blocked Baghramian Avenue, and subsequently, a sit-in was staged on the avenue. On early Tuesday morning, however, the police dispersed the demonstration by using water cannon, and detained many activists and journalists, including the Armenian News-News.am reporter.

Despite numerous protests, the Public Services Regulatory Commission increased the price of electricity in Armenia, and this decision will take effect on August 1. The decision, however, is expected to be followed by an increase in the prices of numerous products and services in the country.