Ukraine frees demonstrators as protests continue

(Vatican Radio) Ukraine has freed the last of the 243 protesters who had been detained since anti-government demonstrations began in November. Protesters have been released in compliance with an amnesty law passed in January, but officials have warned criminal charges will only be dropped when demonstrators stop occupying government buildings. In the meantime, many of the freed detainees remain under house arrest.

While opposition activists say they will stop blocking a main road leading to public buildings in the capital, Kyiv, they have made no mention of when, or indeed whether, they will leave the occupied government offices. Instead, demonstrators marched on Independence Square on Thursday, as part of a one-hour strike to demand a new government and early elections.

The walk-out came on the final day of a visit by European Union Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele. He tried to mediate between the opposition and President Viktor Yanukovich, and even travelled to hospital to visit protesters and police who were injured in recent clashes. Fuele said he has told the President and opposition that EU financial aid will be available to Ukraine only if it introduces crucial reforms. “On the financial assistance: yes, there are conditions – very transparent – and I would call them reforms, reforms, reforms. There is a need to take urgent steps on constitutional reforms, formation of the new inclusive government, and ensuring free and fair elections.”

Yet the opposition has made clear they will not accept a coalition government as proposed by President Yanukovich: they say they want to form a cabinet on their own. Anti-government protesters are also demanding early elections and the resignation of President Yanukovich, after he refused to sign an association agreement with the EU and chose instead to strengthen ties with Russia.

Amid the tensions, some found love near the barricades on Saint Valentine’s Day: on Friday a small wedding ceremony took place at an improvised chapel inside the protest tent at Kyiv's Independence Square. Girls dressed in traditional clothing also distributed flowers and support letters from around the world, saying they hope that amid the tensions, demonstrators will find true love.

Listen to Stefan Bos’ report: