KIEV, July 19 (RIA Novosti) – Nine campaigners against police brutality were detained in downtown Kiev on Friday, the UNN Ukrainian news agency reported.
The activists were detained for ignoring police demands and attempting to put up physical resistance to law enforcement officials, city police said.
Police said the rally had been authorized until 11:30 p.m. local time Thursday, after which most protesters left the square but some remained and put up tents for the night, refused to leave and acted aggressively.
Municipal employees who proceeded with dismantling the tents asked the police to ensure law and order during their work, and “about 10 people who behaved aggressively were detained,” the Kiev police said.
After being booked for “minor public disorder,” all the detainees were released.
Earlier this month, residents in a southern Ukrainian town attacked a local police station demanding punishment for two police officers who had allegedly beaten and raped a young woman. The Interior Ministry subsequently admitted that local officials had tried to conceal wrongdoing by police.
