“Ukraine police on Dec. 3 cleared protesters from Kyiv’s main square, dismantling a dozen tents set up two weeks ago by demonstrators representing small businesses that oppose the government’s tax reforms and austerity measures. The protesters, who had spent the night under canvas despite freezing conditions, showed little resistance but later called for a new wave of protests next week against the administration of President Viktor Yanukovych."
According to the report, protestors responded by asking opposition parties "who seek snap parliamentary elections to join a broad front against Yanukovych, who is accused of backsliding on democracy and press freedom since taking over as president in February."
" With his popularity plunging, Yanukovych sought to neutralize the protests in recent days. But it is not clear if dismantling the protestor’s tent city will break the resolve of his opponents, or invigorate them,” the report concludes.
EXCLUSIVE
Financial Times: Ukraine police break up tax protest camp
Police are seen encircling Independence Square in downtown Kyiv before 5am on Dec. 3 to break up a barricaded tent encampment of small business owners who had been protesting tax reforms. (AP)
