Yerevan police bring in water cannon near demonstrators
YEREVAN. – Minutes ago, the police brought in a water cannon to France Square in Downtown Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia.
The Armenian News-NEWS.am reporter informed from the scene that a large number of law enforcement officers are waiting inside police buses and cars and are patrolling the square.
A Police Special Task Department vehicle is at the scene, too, and special task officers are sitting inside.
Yerevan Police Chief Ashot Karapetyan, and Armenia Deputy Police Chief Levon Yeranosyan likewise are at the scene.
The protest of the people—who demand the revoking of the recent decision to raise the price of electricity in the country—is still in progress at the starting point of Baghramyan Avenue.
On early Tuesday morning, the Yerevan police dispersed the activists 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 wanted to march toward the Office of the President—on Baghramyan Avenue—yet again and with a larger crowd, but the police blocked their way again.
However, the demonstration still continues at the starting point of Baghramyan 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.
