A rally in support of Ukraine's European integration is being held near the monument to Ukrainian writer and poet Taras Shevchenko in Kharkiv.
Demonstrators have filled the square near the monument and more are coming, an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent reported. A European Union flag has been wrapped around the monument. A poster has been fixed on it saying “Glory to European Ukraine!” “Stop the Byzantine Rule!” alongside other posters criticizing the authorities.
The speakers, among them head of the Kharkiv human rights group, Yevhen Zakharov and writer Serhiy Zhadan, condemned the dispersal of the pro-European rally in Kyiv and demanded the government’s resignation.
“There is nothing to discuss with the authorities after what they have done! They have moved themselves beyond the limits of law, reason and moral principles. They must go! Our rally must demand the president’s impeachment, the government’s resignation and the parliament’s disbandment. Early elections must be called. Only with a new government can an association agreement be prepared and signed,” Zakharov said.
“We will get the regime changed! We will make the authorities step down!” he said.
The audience is chanting: “Shame!” Down with the Gang!”
