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Tymoshenko supporters protest in Kiev on Ukraine's Independence Day


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Tymoshenko supporters protest in Kiev on Ukraine's Independence Day

2011-08-25 08:47:43 GMT+7 (ICT)

KIEV (BNO NEWS) -- Thousands of people protested in Kiev on Wednesday, the 20th anniversary of Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union, to protest against the trial and detention of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, reports said.

Members of the Ukrainian opposition gathered in central Kiev's Kreshchatyk main street and marched towards the presidential administration building to hand over the rally's resolution to President Viktor Yanukovich.

According to Itar Tass news agency, the resolution demanded early presidential and parliamentary elections as well as the release of former prime minister and leader of the All-Ukrainian Union "Fatherland" party Yulia Tymoshenko, former Interior Minister Yuri Lutsenko, and other alleged political prisoners. It also called for an early election of Kiev's mayor and city council.

Brief clashes between Tymoshenko supporters and police erupted during the demonstration. Police cordoned off Kreshchatyk Street but the opposition broke through police lines and began throwing stones and bottles at officers, Ria Novosti agency reported.

However, protesters regrouped later in the Independence Square of Kiev, overshadowing the extensive official celebrations which were taking place.

Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko was arrested on August 5 over charges of abuse of power in connection with a 2009 gas deal with Russia. She is accused of illegally forcing state energy company Naftogaz to sign a gas supply contract with Russian gas company Gazprom in 2009, which the state says required approval of the Cabinet of Ministers. She could be sentenced to 10 years in prison if found guilty.

Tymoshenko, the country's top opposition leader, has claimed her trial is politically motivated and an attempt by President Viktor Yanukovych, who narrowly beat her in the presidential election in February 2010, to bar her from future elections.

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-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-08-25

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