YEREVAN (A.W.)—Thousands of concerned citizens have continued their protests on the streets of Yerevan, against the government’s adoption of a 17 percent rise in electricity rates. The Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) of Armenia unanimously voted on June 17 to raise energy tariffs in the country, which prompted activists to take to the streets of Yerevan to voice their discontent with the decision.
On the morning of June 23, more than 230 protesters were arrested while several sustained injuries as riot police broke up the overnight demonstration. Despite authorities’ harsh response to the peaceful civic protest, activists continue to occupy parts of Baghramyan Avenue.
Speaking to the Armenian Weekly, chair of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Eastern United States Hayg Oshagan said that the discontent and civic demonstrations are proof that democracy must reign in Armenia. “Democracies are founded on the principle of popular participation and freedom of expression. We have all worked hard to make Armenia a more democratic nation, and the large civic protests against major energy price hikes were a powerful signal that democratic forces are taking hold in our homeland,” said Oshagan, adding that the actions of authorities on June 23 were unacceptable.
“The security response to this peaceful civic action, is unacceptable, and makes clear that repressive forces remain an obstacle to change. The main streets had been cleared and there was no reason to resort to violence and arrests by the police. Armenia’s government is now responsible to not only hold accountable individual officers for their violent behavior, but to also hold itself accountable for the authoritarian atmosphere that allows such violence to occur,” explained Oshagan.
When speaking about the role of the diaspora, Oshagan said that all Armenians should stand up for democracy and freedom in Armenia. “It is the responsibility of every one of us to reject oppressive policies, political violence, and human rights abuses everywhere, and especially in our homeland. Our communities will redouble efforts to support and lead the forces for democracy and freedom in Armenia, and we stand in solidarity with our compatriots there in their continuing struggle for social justice.”
I’m a bit taken aback by this article’s omission of dominance of electricity and gas by this Russian corporation, the corruption within and how both the oligarch Armenian government as well as corrupt Russian government need to be held accountable.
Tss, it’s a secret that in Armenia Americans are organizing yet another anti-Russian maidan. Electricity, “Freedom and Democracy” are just excuses, removal of Russian military bases is what really matters.
{” “It is the responsibility of every one of us to reject oppressive policies, political violence, and human rights abuses everywhere, and especially in our homeland. Our communities will redouble efforts to support and lead the forces for democracy and freedom in Armenia, and we stand in solidarity with our compatriots there in their continuing struggle for social justice.”}
Blah, blah, blah,….
Try to sit down, with a bunch of your friends, in the middle of Manhattan street and see what happens. I am sure NYPD will let people just close off a major downtown street without a permit.
Nobody bothered the protesters in Liberty Square.
Some decided to march onto Bagramian street and block it off.
Others followed.
Police tried to reason with them for several hours to move back to Liberty square. Only after that water trucks were brought in.
Here is just one sample of how New York’s finest respond to people blocking a street.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/10/01/500-arrested-after-wall-street-protest-on-nys-brooklyn-bridge/?test=latestnews
{New York City police say about 700 protesters have been arrested after they swarmed the Brooklyn Bridge and shut down a lane of traffic for several hours.}
And I won’t bother putting in links of US police brutality all over the country against Occupy Wall Street protesters.
I am sure living in US, you are well aware and have seen the videos.
Did ARF Eastern issue a similar statement at the time about “…oppressive policies, political violence, and human rights abuses everywhere…”, meaning US, and specifically regarding NYPD ?
Avery, why are you always concerned with how the US police would handle a given situation? who cares? we are discussing Armenia, not LA, not NYC, not Ferguson. the people in Armenia are finally making their voices heard. you are obviously against the people of Armenia. you are at best un-informed at worst a traitor. which is it hayrenagits? or rather are you in fact a hayrenagits?
{“ Avery, …you are at best un-informed at worst a traitor. which is it hayrenagits? or rather are you in fact a hayrenagits?”}
I don’t know: you tell me.
Երբ որ տարածուած է այդ հիմնական վարկածը թէ այս ամբողջ իրարանցումին ետին կայ Արեւմուտքի – եւ յատկապէս՝ Սէմ Ամմոյին – ձեռքը, որքա՞ն օգտակար է որ արեւմտեան Սփիւռքը – եւ յատկապէս՝ հայ ծագումով Ամերիկացիները -, խանդավառութեամբ եւ յոտնկայս ծափահարեն, քաջալերեն, խրախուսեն այս «շարժումը»…
I have a feeling maybe Putin may eventually want Armenia as the new Soviet Union that he is trying to establish starting with the Ukraine……
The Government should have known better than raise 17% tax on the unemployed and poor people of Armenia. Poor judgment is an understatement.
And yet, the question is, are the protesters the poor and unemployed only, or does the mob comprise those with ulterior motives?
Those directly affected by the tax hike need to focus on the singular issue of Taxes, and plan to tackle one issue at a time.
Right now, the instigators should be held accountable for continuing to extend the traumatic event. There is no evidence that they are working for social justice or tax repeal.
Armenians deserve better.