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A sit-in is underway in Liberty Square of Yerevan to protest the rise of power tariffs in Armenia. Fewer activists are participating today: after spending the night here, many went home to change clothes and tidy themselves up. The protesters hope that today activists from Gyumri and other cities will join their ranks.

As was reported, “No to Robbery” civic initiative and several political forces staged a rally in Yerevan yesterday to protest the rise in tariffs. The activists then decided to hold a three-day sit-in.

Deputy Chief of Yerevan police Valery Osipyan declared that all the actions of protesters were illegal as they were allowed to stage a protest until 11 pm. Yet given the fact that it was a peaceful action, the police decided to allow participants to stay in Liberty Square, he added.

Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA) Company earlier submitted a bid to the Public Services Regulatory Commission about a rise in electricity tariffs. The parliamentary opposition considers it unfounded and serving the interests of that company. The current night-time tariff for the population is 31.85 drams per one KWH, the daytime tariff is 41.85 drams. The bid of ENA proposed raising the tariffs to 48 and 58 drams respectively. Yet the Commission satisfied the bid only partially on June 17. The tariffs In Armenia will increase by 6.93 drams, and not by 17 drams.

The Commission’s decision will take force on August 1, 2015.