YEREVAN. – The Police of Armenia acted in normal fashion during the protest rally and march against the electricity price hike.

Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs, Hovhannes Sahakyan, who is also a member of the NA faction of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia, told the aforesaid to reporters on Tuesday.

In his words, the law enforcement was forced to have Baghramian Avenue cleared, since it is one of Yerevan’s major transportation routes.

“Here the police are authorized to resort to actions permitted by law,” the MP added.

To the remark that video cameras have recorded violence by the police, Sahakyan objected.

“There were unlawful actions by the demonstrators, too,” he said. “Overall, the police conduct was justified, whereas individual cases will be adequately examined.”

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 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.

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.