Epress.am News from Armenia
Demonstrators protesting the electricity price hike outside the Public Services Regulatory Commission tried to block Martiros Saryan Street in central Yerevan at around noon today, but police dispersed them from the road.
However, moments later, demonstrators managed to break through the human chain of police officers and block the road, which resulted in a brawl between police and demonstrators.
Joining police officers were the special forces, who formed a human chain and pushed protestors off the street.
The situation shortly after was calm. Recall, the Commission was debating the issue of increasing the electricity tariff inside while the protest was happening outside.
This protest demonstration drew more people than the last one. The Epress.am correspondent on the scene said there were about 100 protestors. As last time, police officers blocked the road, preventing demonstrators from approaching the building entrance.
Arriving on the scene today were several MPs: Levon Zurabyan and Aram Manukyan from the Armenian National Congress; Artsvik Minasyan from the Armenian Revolutionary Federation; Mikael Melkumyan from Prosperous Armenia Party; and Hovhannes Margaryan from the Rule of Law party. Some time later, the deputies entered the building to participate in the meeting inside. Demonstrators asked that they too be let in; however, police refused.
Deputy Yerevan Police Chief Valery Osipyan then suggested the demonstrators select a few among them to enter the building and participate in the meeting; however, demonstrators didn't agree to these conditions, saying they want everyone to be able to enter.