YEREVAN. – A criminal case on charges of hooliganism has been launched in connection with the events following the police crackdown of the sit-in by activists that fight against the decision on electricity price hike in Armenia (PHOTOS).

The General Prosecutor’s Office informed about the abovementioned to Armenian News-NEWS.am.

This offense is punishable by a fine, or imprisonment for up to one month.

Fate of the 237 detainees, however, is still uncertain.

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 that of Armenian News-News.am.

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.