KYIV. Jan 22 (Interfax) - Protestors in Hrushevsky Street in central Kyiv are using screws, bolts, road spikes during a standoff with police, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said on Tuesday.
"On January 19 a significant group of aggressive activists in helmets and face masks tried to break through the 'human chain' of policemen. Provoking the law enforcers, the troublemakers started using smoke flares, fires, clubs, wooden sticks with nails, rock, iron tools dangerous for life and health, and other objects against police officers. Besides, the protestors are hurling metal balls, screws, bolts and other missiles at the law enforcers, which can endanger the law enforcers and those around them," the statement said.
The demonstrators have been showing aggressive and threatening behavior towards the police as soon as they arrived on Hrushevsky Street, the police said.
Kyiv police investigators have launched a criminal inquiry into the January 19 events under article 294 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code (mass disturbances), which imposes a penalty of up to 15 years of imprisonment.
"Police are calling on the organizers and protestors to refrain from violation of the current legislation since it entails the administrative and criminal liability," the statement said.