Situation in Yerevan resembles Ukrainian scenario

The so-called “Utility Maidan” in the Armenian capital increasingly resembles events that unfolded in Ukraine a year and a half ago, albeit on a somewhat accelerated timeline. Initially, people took to the streets in a peaceful demonstration against certain actions by the authorities and a Russian-owned energy company, specifically the increase in utility tariffs from 1 August this year.

This morning, however, a forceful dispersal took place, with force and water cannons being used. During the dispersal, no one was spared, not children, not women, not the elderly. In addition to law enforcement officers, “titushki” (thugs) fought the protesters.

As a result of the dispersal, several dozens of people sustained injuries of varying severity, including 11 police officers. More than 200 have been detained.

This evening, people took to the streets again for a protest action; this time, the number of demonstrators is significantly higher than it was just yesterday. And with every hour, their numbers are increasing. Many are now protesting against the authorities' actions in dispersing the crowd.

In the near future, it is likely that Russian media covering events in Yerevan will issue statements claiming that the peacefully protesting people in the city's central square are radical terrorists, while police officers in plain clothes are patriot militia members.