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Two of the demonstrators staging a rally on Bagramyan Avenue in downtown Yerevan against a rise in power tariffs went on hunger strike today. Two young men, Hayk and Harutyun, said that in addition to a sit-in, there are other forms of struggle, including a hunger strike.

Yerevan Police Deputy Chief Valery Osipyan told protesters earlier today: “I ask you to reconsider your decision and inform law enforcers that the protest action is over and you are leaving”. He reminded protesters that they were violating law and order.

As was reported, on June 28 demonstrators against the power tariff hike divided into two groups after blocking Bagramyan Avenue in central Yerevan for over a week. The presidential residence, the Armenian parliament, Constitutional Court, and several embassies are located on that avenue. Following the statement made by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on June 27, the organizers of the rally attended by thousands – members of ‘No to Robbery’ civic initiative called on protesters to leave the avenue and return to Liberty Square nearby. Yet some of the demonstrators refused to leave. Police warned several times that they plan to open the street so normal traffic could resume.