Power Price-Hike Protesters Block Main Yerevan Street More Than 24 Hours

Protesters against electricity price hikes blocked a main street in downtown Yerevan for more than 24 hours, staging a sit-in for yet another night on Wednesday, June 24. Thousands have taken to the streets in the Armenian capital over recent days to protest a decision by the public service regulator to increase electricity prices.

The protests that led to 200 arrests and the use of water cannons by riot police on Tuesday, come after a bid by Armenia’s electricity provider, Electric Networks of Armenia, to the regulatory commission for a price hike. The regulator only partially granted the increase, permitting a seven instead of 17 drams hike per unit, taking effect in August, according to national media. However, the decision prompted protesters to take to Baghramyan Avenue in downtown Yerevan, where they established barricades after numerous arrests.

This video by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Armenia service shows the atmosphere as protesters dance surrounded by police. Credit: YouTube/Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty