Protesters in Yerevan build barricades from garbage cans
YEREVAN. June 24 (Interfax) - Participants in the protest against the increase of tariffs on electrical power have brought to Bagramian Avenuen in central Yerevan new garbage cans, which they have used to build barricades to shield themselves from the police.
The protesters have built two lines of barricades and the new garbage cans may be used for making a third line of barricades, an Interfax correspondent has reported. The garbage cans, which have garbage in them, are being brought from nearby yards.
In the meantime, the police have removed the cordon from the avenue, putting iron bars in its place.
A small number of police officers and water guns remain in the avenue.
The protest organizers have called on their supporters to gather in the adjacent Freedom Square on Wednesday evening and hold a march.
The air temperature in Yerevan is now 39 degrees Celsius.
The Public Service Regulatory Commission decided on June 17 to increase the electricity tariff on August 1, 2015, by 6.93 drams per one kilowatt/hour. The current tariff stands at 41.85 drams per one kilowatt/hour in the daytime and 31.85 drams per one kilowatt/hour at night.
Massive protests against the rise of electricity tariffs have been ongoing in Yerevan since June 19.
The Armenian police are trying to unblock Bagramian Avenue in Yerevan city center through negotiations.
The protest was organized by public movement No to Robbery. The movement mostly unites young people who deny any involvement with any political or public forces.
The proposal to meet with Armenian President Serzh Sargsian was rejected after the protesters had failed to agree who would be representing them at the meeting.