On 31 August beginning at 09:00hrs, the SMM monitored protests in front of the national Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) building in Kyiv. Some 3,000 persons (male and female of all ages) carrying “Svoboda”, “Radical Party” and “Ukrop” flags were protesting against constitutional amendments that were being voted on inside the Parliament. The event was initially peaceful and orderly with no signs of unrest. During both the morning and afternoon, the building was heavily secured by a ring of riot police (approx. 1,000) and in addition national guards (approx. 1,000) with anti-riot equipment. Former Members of Parliament and current leaders of “Svoboda” …read more
Source: OSCE
