YEREVAN. – An investigation is underway in connection with the incidents of violence against the media representatives on early Tuesday morning.  

The Deputy Chief of Police of Armenia, Hunan Poghosyan, told the aforesaid to reporters during the sit-in that continues Wednesday morning at Baghramian Avenue. 

Poghosyan noted that the said investigation will be transparent, and all those who are guilty will be brought to account.

In the deputy police chief’s words, however, there were also provocateurs during this demonstration (PHOTOS).

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.

On Tuesday evening, however, the sit-in participants marched toward the Office of the President yet again and with a larger crowd. This time MPs, intellectuals, and representatives of show business also have joined the ongoing protest action, and they have formed a human wall between the police and the demonstrators.

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.