Criminal investigation initiated against peaceful Tax Code protesters

The Shevchenkivsk District Police Department in Kyiv has initiated a criminal investigation over the blocking of the road part of two central streets by demonstrators protesting on 22 November against the Tax Code passed last week.  This was stated at a press briefing on Wednesday by the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Viktor Ratushnyak.

He said that the investigation is being carried out under Article 293 of the Criminal Code (group infringement of public order) and that those who had done it would be found and brought to answer.

National Deputies from the opposition party Our Ukraine have demanded that the President dismiss the Minister of Internal Affairs, Anatoliy Mohylyov “due to flagrant violations by police officers of human and civil rights and liberties”.