Fresh violent clashes between demonstrators and police were reported Monday, in the Ukrainian capital Kiev after the government passed new anti-protest laws.
People of Ukraine have been protesting President Viktor Yanukovich's deal for closer links with the European Union in favor of stronger ties with Russia, reported Sky NEWS. But what angered the demonstrators anew were the new laws prohibiting public protest and free speech.
Opposition leader and former boxing champion Vitaly Klitschko said that he will meet President Viktor Yanukovich and try finding solutions for the ongoing two-month old political crisis and ease the unrest, reported skynews.
The security officials extensively used water cannons to handle the large crowd of over 100,000. They also used rubber bullets that injured the demonstrators, reported the Agence France-Presse. According to the health officials, 24 people were injured and three were hospitalized, while police said more than 70 officers were hurt. The interior ministry said 20 people had been arrested for mass rioting.
The protestors attacked the police with stun grenades, sticks and fire extinguishers. They also set vehicles on fire.
"You're fighting with your nation. Stop the escalation. Don't go the way of (former Romanian President Nicolae) Ceausescu and (former Libyan leader Muammar) Gaddafi," said Klitschko, reported BBC.
According to the critics, the legislation was passed in a hurried manner and was unconstitutional and would lead to a police state.
The laws have been termed as anti-democratic by the United States and other western governments. The laws also state that anyone taking part in "mass disorder" or wearing face masks or hard hats would get heavy prison sentences.
The protestors wore saucepans and colanders on their heads during their demonstration.
Klitschko, the strongest potential presidential challenger said, "Yanukovich and his henchmen want to steal our country. Ukraine is united as never before in its struggle against those in power today in its determination not to allow a dictatorship."
