YEREVAN. – It is unclear why the opposition was absent from the Tuesday protest action, Education Minister Armen Ashotyan said.

Asked about representatives of the authorities, Ashotyan, deputy chairman of RPA, said they could not participate in a rally where the protesters made calls against the authorities.

Members of the “No to Plunder” initiative marched to president's residence on Tuesday in a protest against hike in electricity prices. The police, however, blocked Baghramian Avenue, and subsequently, a sit-in was staged on the avenue.

On early Tuesday morning, the police dispersed the demonstration by using water cannon, and detained many activists and journalists, including an Armenian News-News.am reporter. As a result of the clash, eighteen people sought medical assistance in hospitals, and 237 people were detained. A criminal case on charges of hooliganism has been launched.