Three activists in Yerevan stop their hunger strike

In Freedom Square in Yerevan, three of six activists on hunger strike to appeal to the citizens of Armenia to unite in the fight against the increase in the electricity tariff have stopped participating in the protest action.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that after the decision was announced to increase the electricity tariff, Armenia has been hosting mass protests. The largest action took place on the round-the-clock basis in Yerevan, in Bagramyan Avenue, but on July 6 the police dispersed the protesters. On the same day, a new protest action was launched in Freedom Square; and the police did not allow its participants to march through the city centre. On July 6, David Sanasaryan, one of the coordinators of the action against the increase of electricity tariff, announced an indefinite hunger strike; and on July 7, activists Ovannes Karapetyan, Gor Karapetyan, Ashot Shakhnazaryan, Sergey Khachatryan and Roman Galstyan joined him.

As at 10:20 p.m. Moscow time (11:20 p.m. Yerevan time) of July 8, three activists continue their hunger strike in Freedom Square. Ovanes Karapetyan, Gor Karapetyan, and Roman Galstyan have stopped their protest action, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

Activist Sanasaryan, who has been on hunger strike for the third day, states that he feels fine. The activist has also noted that he is not going to stop his hunger strike.

On July 8, an ambulance was called for Ashot Shakhnazaryan, another hunger striker. Doctors diagnosed him with fever; however, he refused to go to hospital. This was told to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by the activist himself. Shakhnazaryan has not ruled out that on July 9, he may announce the termination of his hunger strike.

"It makes no sense to continue the protest action, if there is no response of the population," the activist has stated.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.