Ukraine clashes escalating as West condemns harsh new law Ukraine must revoke draconian protest ban that has sparked latest clashes The West demanded that Ukraine revoke a draconian new law banning demonstrations yesterday after an overnight outbreak of violence that left more than 200 people injured and threatened to tip the country into anarchy. EU foreign ministers condemned the violence but called on the authorities to show restraint in handling fresh protests sparked by the country’s adoption of legislation that imposed tight new controls on demonstrations. They said the new law did not reflect European principles of fundamental human rights. “The EU calls on the Ukrainian authorities to ensure that these developments are reversed and that its legislation is brought in line with Ukraine’s European and international commitments,” the foreign ministers said after a meeting in Brussels. Police fired baton rounds at crowds of protesters who had been throwing Molotov cocktails at them in Kiev’s Independence Square, despite the announcement of a joint commission between the government and opposition to try to address the impasse. Hundreds of demonstrators had spent the day reinforcing barricades, after fending off a government assault overnight in temperatures that fell as low as -10C. Activists also began building a catapult to launch missiles after the riots, in a sign that more trouble was likely last night. Mr Yanukovych’s opponents have maintained demonstrations on Independence Square against the government’s rejection of a pact with the European Union. Parliament passed laws last week to curb the protests, drawing rebukes from the EU and the US, which blamed the government for the latest violence. Mr Yanukovych’s opponents have maintained demonstrations on Independence Square against the government’s rejection of a pact with the European Union. Parliament passed laws last week to curb the protests, drawing rebukes from the EU and the US, which blamed the government for the latest violence. Vitaly Klitschko, the former world champion boxer turned most visible opposition leader, warned that the confrontation on the streets of Kiev would “inevitably escalate” if the country’s president did not personally intervene to end the stand-off. Yulia Tymoshenko, the former prime minister, also issued a rallying call to the beleaguered demonstrators. “Protect Ukraine and do not fear anything. Ukraine has no defence other than you. You are heroes,” she said in a statement from her prison cell, where she is serving a sentence for corruption. Carl Bildt, the Swedish Foreign Minister said Kiev had adopted the most solid package of repressive laws that I have seen enacted by a European parliament in decades. Ukraine, a nation of 45 million people and a key Russian natural gas pipeline transit hub to the West, is struggling with its third recession since 2008 and dwindling foreign reserves. Mr Yanukovych last month obtained a $15 billion Russian bailout and a cut in the price of imported natural gas. People wearing masks or helmets during protests or erecting tents risk arrest and anyone blocking state buildings can be imprisoned for five years. Drivers of cars traveling in convoys of five or more face fines and confiscation of their driving licenses after activists arranged mass outings to the homes of officials. The Interior Ministry said on its website that it is pursuing criminal proceedings linked to the public disorder, with protesters facing as long as 15 years in prison. Ten demonstrators were detained last night, it said. The ministry warned activists that “all illegal actions are recorded by cameras,” saying protesters who break the law will bear administrative and criminal responsibility.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Jan 2014 22:34:40 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015