YEREVAN (Sputnik) — Protests in Yerevan began on June 19, triggered by the government's announcement of a 16-percent increase in household electricity tariffs. Protests were organized on several occasions throughout June and July.
"The struggle will continue until the citizens of Armenia reach justice in their own country. There is no alternative. No one will grant us our rights and prosperous life, we will achieve this in the long struggle", the activist said at the rally in front of some 100 people.
Sanasaryan, one of the rally organizers, said that the protesters' demands remain the same and required the authorities to immediately implement them.
"We demand the abolition of the regulatory commission's anti-social solutions related to the increase of electricity prices, the revision of the last year's tariff with a tendency to decrease it, and the punishment of police officers who have unlawfully subjected civilians and members of the media to violence while dispersing a peaceful rally on June 23 and clearing the Baghramyan Avenue on July 6," Sanasaryan reminded the protesters.
During the June 23 protest, police arrested some 240 and left 18 people seeking medical assistance as they dispersed the activists. Following the protest on July 6, Armenian police have arrested some 50 protesters.
