YEREVAN. – The “No to Plunder” initiative of Armenia has presented its new demands, which are as follows: 

“1) To review and cancel the PSRC’s [i.e. the Public Services Regulatory Commission] unlawful decision on the electricity tariff. 2) To review last year’s tariff for the purpose of reduction. 3) To punish all law-breaking police officers that unlawfully beat the peaceful demonstrators on [Monday,] June 22 at Baghramian Avenue, as well as to punish those that give them an unlawful order.”  

On early Tuesday morning, the capital city Yerevan police dispersed the activists—that were led by members of the “No to Plunder” initiative—protesting against electricity price hike by using water cannon, and they detained many activists and journalists, who were later released.

On Tuesday evening, however, the sit-in participants marched toward the Office of the President—on Baghramian Avenue—yet again and with a larger crowd, but the police blocked their way again.

However, the sit-in still continues at the starting point of Baghramian Avenue, which is closed off, and traffic towards this boulevard is suspended.

Despite numerous protests, the Public Services Regulatory Commission recently 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.