YEREVAN. – The police officers who used violence against activists must be held accountable in public, secretary of Prosperous Armenia Vahe Enfiadjyan said in the parliament on Tuesday.

“This will help to protect the development of civil society, so that no one could have even a thought to interfere with the freedoms of citizens, or of the media,” he added.

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.