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Baku, Azerbaijan, June 27
Trend:
Evening June 26-June 27 protest action in Yerevan regarding the raised electricity tariffs became the most intensive and massive yet, RBC reported.
Previously the participants of the protests said the biggest rally was the one held on June 24, which reportedly had 10,000 people participating.
"Friday's rally surpassed it in the number of participants," said the people, coming to Baghramyan avenue every day.
RBC journalist said the Friday's rally had a few thousand people more than on Thursday, which had about 5,000 people, according to police.
On June 23, the Armenian police broke up a rally in the center of the country's capital. The rally was held in protest against the increased electricity tariffs. The protests in the streets resulted in use of water cannons against people.
Over 230 people got arrested as a result of violent crackdown, including journalists of Gala TV, the Radio Liberty's Armenian office, the Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper, the Hetq, News.am, Panarmenian.net news agencies.
On June 17, Armenia's Public Services Regulatory Commission, considering a request from the distribution company, Electric Networks of Armenia, which is a subsidiary of the Inter RAO UES, raised the electricity tariffs by 6.93 Armenian drams (about $0.015).
This caused discontent among the population that believes the rise in the cost of electricity will lead to higher prices for essential goods and many services.