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.
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