19:26, 23 July 2013

In Yerevan, about 300 people protest against increase of transport fares

Protest against increase of public transport fares. The sign says: "We won't pay 150 drams!" Yerevan, July 19, 2013. Photo by Armine Martirosyan for the ‘Caucasian Knot’.

On July 23, a protest action was launched in front of the Mayoralty of Yerevan, organized by the initiative group "We won't pay 150 drams!" It was attended by about 300 people, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

Let us remind you that from July 20 inYerevan the fare on buses, trolleybuses and taxis increased by 50 percent. On July 19, residents of Yerevan began protesting against the above fare increase.

During the July 23 action four protesters were detained by the police.

As explained to reporters by Vladimir Osipyan, the Yerevan deputy police chief, the above detentions were caused by violations of public order. He said that the police had received many complaints from car drivers and citizens who are unhappy with protesters' actions and claim that they violate their right to free movement.

After the end of the action near the Mayoralty, about 100 protesters started their march to the police station, where the detainees were kept. During the march there were scuffles with policemen.

By 5:00 p.m., the police released all the detainees.

Author: Lilit Ovanisyan

Source: CK correspondent