Protests have turned violent in Kiev, Ukraine after President Viktor Yanukovych signed into law a bill that curbs anti-government protests. Reuters reports up to 100,000 Ukranians gathered around Kiev’s Independence Square on Sunday in blatant defiance of the laws.
Reports say masked demonstrators attacked police and tried to overturn a bus after opposition politicians called on protesters to ignore the new laws. Opposition leaders however pleaded with protesters not to justify a police crackdown.
Police used water cannons to break up demonstrations outside the Parliament building, while protesters threw smoke bombs and fireworks. The interior ministry says 30 police were hurt, including at least 10 who required hospitalization.
Protesters were originally camped out in opposition to President Viktor Yanukovych’s rejection of an European Union partnership deal. The protests later grew to include grievances over what they said is government corruption and abuse.
The anti-protest laws make much of those protest activities illegal. They ban unauthorized installation of tents, stages or loudspeakers in public, mandate jail sentences for participating in “mass disorder” and wearing face masks and helmets, reports Reuters.
Critics include the U.S. State Department, who call the laws undemocratic. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the laws “violate all of the norms of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) and the EU.”
Yanukovych loyalists have also called for the establishment of a people’s assembly and a new Constitution. A spokeswoman for opposition politican Vitaly Klitschko says President Yanukovych agreed to meet with him, but Yanukovych’s camp has not confirmed.
Ukranian riot police take cover from missiles thrown by pro-European protesters during a rally in Kiev January 19, 2014. Protesters attacked riot police with sticks in Kiev on Sunday and tried to overturn a bus blocking their path to parliament, as up to 100,000 Ukrainians massed in defiance of sweeping new laws aimed at stamping out anti-government demonstrations. REUTERS/Maks LevinA policeman injured during clashes with pro-European integration protesters lies on the ground in Kiev January 19, 2014. Protesters attacked riot police with sticks in Kiev on Sunday and tried to overturn a bus blocking their path to parliament, as up to 100,000 Ukrainians massed in defiance of sweeping new laws aimed at stamping out anti-government demonstrations. REUTERS/Valentyn OgirenkoA pro-European integration protester throws a cobble stone during clashes with Ukranian riot police in Kiev January 19, 2014. Protesters attacked riot police with sticks in Kiev on Sunday and tried to overturn a bus blocking their path to parliament, as up to 100,000 Ukrainians massed in defiance of sweeping new laws aimed at stamping out anti-government demonstrations. REUTERS/Gleb GaranichPro-European integration protesters pull a rope attached to a burnt-out bus in Kiev January 19, 2014. Protesters attacked riot police with sticks in Kiev on Sunday and tried to overturn a bus blocking their path to parliament, as up to 100,000 Ukrainians massed in defiance of sweeping new laws aimed at stamping out anti-government demonstrations. REUTERS/Gleb GaranichA participant brandishes a stick during a pro-European integration rally in Kiev January 19, 2014. Protesters attacked riot police with sticks in Kiev on Sunday and tried to overturn a bus blocking their path to parliament, as up to 100,000 Ukrainians massed in defiance of sweeping new laws aimed at stamping out anti-government demonstrationsREUTERS/Valentyn OgirenkoPro-European integration protesters gather in front of a burning police van during a rally near government administration buildings in Kiev January 19, 2014. Protesters attacked riot police with sticks in Kiev on Sunday and tried to overturn a bus blocking their path to parliament, as up to 100,000 Ukrainians massed in defiance of sweeping new laws aimed at stamping out anti-government demonstrations. REUTERS/Maks LevinPro-European protesters clash with Ukranian riot police during a rally near government administration buildings in Kiev January 19, 2014. Up to 100,000 Ukrainians massed in the capital Kiev on Sunday in defiance of sweeping new laws aimed at stamping out anti-government protests. The rally, the biggest this year in a cycle of pro-Europe protests convulsing the former Soviet republic for the past two months, was spurred by the legislation rushed through parliament last week and which the opposition says will lead to a police state. REUTERS/Gleb GaranichPro-European integration protesters hold pictures of jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko and wave Ukrainian flags during a rally at Independence Square in Kiev January 19, 2014. REUTERS/Gleb GaranichBarricades and protesters' tents are seen at Independence Square where the pro-EU demonstrators are holding a rally in Kiev January 17, 2014. Supporters of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich rammed a sweeping law through parliament on Thursday in an attempt to curb anti-government protests, sparking an outcry from the opposition and raising tensions on the streets. REUTERS/Gleb GaranichA pro-European integration supporter with a taped mouth attends a rally against newly approved laws which could affect civil right and liberties, as Interior Ministry members stand guard near the presidential administration in Kiev January 17, 2014. Supporters of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich rammed a sweeping law through parliament on Thursday in an attempt to curb anti-government protests, sparking an outcry from the opposition and raising tensions on the streets. The words on the tape read, "Dictatorship"REUTERS/Gleb Garanich
