Ukraine Parliament Votes To Ban Use Of Firearms Against Protesters, Remove Government Forces From Kiev

Activist: Ukraine MPs Agree To Ban Use Of Firearms Against Protesters, Remove Government Forces From Kiev

Al Jazeera America reports Ukraine's Parliament has agreed to remove forces from Kiev and the ban use of firearms against protesters, per a Euromaidan spokesperson.

The announcement marks a change in policy, as earlier Thursday, the Ukrainian interior ministry said riot police had "the right to use their weapons," against protesters after 67 "Berkut" police were taken hostage.

As The Washington Post's Max Fisher notes, while the move appears to be largely symbolic, it further isolates President Viktor Yanukovych and places the responsibility for any subsequent crackdown squarely on the president.

Ukraine Parliament vote to end crackdown is mostly symbolic - Yanukovych still pres - but it's big symbolism. Yanukovuch out on his own now.

— Max Fisher (@Max_Fisher) February 20, 2014

This is breaking news. Check back for more updates.

Before You Go

Ukraine's Protests Reignite

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot