Euro 2012 soccer preps disrupted by Ukrainian protesters
- 12 years ago
Shoving ensues as police try to contain protesters in Kiev.
Thousands marched in the capital, protesting a government move they see as anti-Ukrainian.
Disrupting preparations for the Euro 2012 soccer championship, they trampled banners in a fan zone.
Parliament rushed a draft law forward Tuesday that would make Russian an official regional language.
Although it is the mother tongue of many here, opponents say it will keep some areas from learning Ukrainian - an important symbol of sovereignty.
They also see it as a political ploy by the ruling party to win over voters in Russian-speaking areas.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters
Thousands marched in the capital, protesting a government move they see as anti-Ukrainian.
Disrupting preparations for the Euro 2012 soccer championship, they trampled banners in a fan zone.
Parliament rushed a draft law forward Tuesday that would make Russian an official regional language.
Although it is the mother tongue of many here, opponents say it will keep some areas from learning Ukrainian - an important symbol of sovereignty.
They also see it as a political ploy by the ruling party to win over voters in Russian-speaking areas.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters