YEREVAN. - Armenia’s Deputy Head of Police, Police Lieutenant General Hunan Poghosyan promises that the police will not use any force against the citizens protesting over electricity price hike in Baghramyan Avenue, as long as the protesters observe the rules of peaceful protest, refrain from throwing objects in the direction of the police officers, and ‘clean themselves of the provocateurs.’  

Mr Poghosyan announced this by loudspeaker in Baghramyan Avenue. He also promised to pass the proposal of one of the protestors to show live the possible meeting with a small group of protestors suggested by the president.

After the 4-day sit-in, the deadline set by the ‘No to Plunder’ initiative for the government to reconsider its decision on price hike ended. The protesters thus moved in big crowds to Baghramyan Avenue, where the presidential headquarters are located. The protesters blocked their way, following which sit-in started. Early this morning the police managed to disperse the protest, arresting the activists and journalists.

Despite the numerous protests over the electricity price hike, the new electricity tariff was approved at the session of Armenia’s Public Services Regulatory Commission of Armenia (PSRC) on June 17.  The electricity price has gone up by 6,93 AMD, reaching 48,78 AMD (previously 41,85 AMD) per 1 kWh. Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA) CJSC had proposed to raise the electricity price by 17 AMD per 1 kWh.