“As a result of the public discussions in Baghramyan Avenue, a mechanism has been worked out for adopting decisions on coordinating the movement against the increase of electricity tariffs,” said the message.
The Council of the “Stand up, Armenia!” movement has been created which includes the participants of the discussions, according to the message.
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.
“Stand up, Armenia!” movement demands to cancel the decision of Armenia’s Commission on Regulation of Public Services on increasing the electricity tariffs till Aug.1. If the demands are not fulfilled, the participants of the movement intend to continue the protests.
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