You're reading: Tymoshenko supporters, opponents continue rallies in Kyiv center

Supporters and opponents of ex-Ukrainian Prime Minister, Batkivschyna Party leader Yulia Tymoshenko continue their rallies near the Kyiv Pechersky District Court building in the city center.

A platform was erected in front of the court edifice on Khreschatyk Street.

First Deputy Head of Batkivschyna Oleksandr Turchynov and parliament deputies Mykola Katerynchuk (Our Ukraine – People’s Self Defense) and Volodymyr Yavorivsky (Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc – Batkivschyna) addressed the rally from there.

"The ref needs specs!" Katerynchuk kept saying.

Meanwhile, the opponents are chanting, "Yulia, Sweat it Out in Jail."

More than 500 people taking part in the pro-Tymoshenko rally and up to 100 opponents.

Small leaflets, which looked like a 200-hryvni banknote, were thrown from the roof of a building close to the court.

The leaflets carry Tymoshenko’s portrait and a caption, "Tymoshenko to Justice. www.ulya.sud.com."

The court yard is covered with these ‘banknotes.’

Former officer of the Ukrainian State Guard Service Mykola Melnychenko has entered the court building.

"I am here on business," he said with a smile.

Early Monday some 1,000 officers were brought from different parts of Ukraine to guarantee law and order outside of Pechersky District Court, where the trial of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko continues.

Judging by the license plates of buses, Berkut special police arrived from different parts of Ukraine.