Tension between police and protesters rise in Armenia
Ongoing protests against rise in the electricity tariffs in Armenia has brought to the surface a lot of problems existing in the country, particularly its big corruption problem, economic crisis, mass emigration, and poverty.
The protests continue in many cities of Armenia along with its capital Yerevan despite the government's attempts to suffocate the voices of truth. As the demonstrations grow in scale, it becomes harder to believe that they can be stopped.
The clashes occurring between demonstrators and police, frequent cases of police violence, and the violation of even the most elementary principles of democracy, are the key topics of reports on the country.
The poor economy forces the government to ignore citizen demands and even to increase taxes.
Meanwhile, the so-called ‘electromaidan’ does not seem likely to disappear in the near future. The ongoing events leave no hope to find a solution. Despite fall in the number of protesters, the government has become more radical in its bid to end the disruptions.
The rally is gaining a more dangerous character amid growing tensions between police and protesters, as well as among the protesters themselves. There is a risk that the peaceful demonstrators singing patriotic songs may turn into a chaotic crowd.
David Sanasaryan, a board member of the "Stand up, Armenia" movement, was hospitalized at the medical center "Erebuni" on July 29.
Sanasarian had been complaining that the police used force against him, as he was thrown to the ground and struck on the head.
As a result, Sanasaryan laid on the ground and as an ambulance was called.
The protests have been ongoing since the evening of June 23 on one of the main arteries in Yerevan – Marshal Baghramyan Avenue. Protesters barricaded this and other central streets in the city with plastic garbage cans.
The Armenian police brutally dispersed the crowd with the help of water cannons first early morning on June 23 and detained nearly 240 activists and protesters. Police officers also used force against many journalists during the crackdown.
After two weeks of sedentary picketing in Yerevan, police cleared Baghramyan Avenue of demonstrators on July 6, while more than 40 protesters were arrested.
The Commission on Regulation of Public Services in Armenia in its June 17 meeting approved a decision to increase electricity tariffs by 6.93 Armenian drams (about $0.015). As a result, starting on August 1 consumers would have been required to pay 48.78 drams instead of the current 41.85 per 1 kWh per day.
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