Clashes have been taking place Ukraine's capital, Kiev after crowds of about 200,000 pro-European Union demonstrators rallied against new laws restricting public protests.
Protesters clash with riot police in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev. Photo: AFP
Stun grenades were thrown, as wave upon wave of attacks were carried out against the police line, in the centre of the city.
The demonstrators braved freezing temperatures to pack into Independence Square, with some wearing pots or colanders to mock a ban on helmets.
The laws were passed with a quick show of hands on Friday by MPs loyal to President Viktor Yanukovych.
One of them bans any unauthorised installation of tents, stages or amplifiers in public places.
The opposition says the hasty passing of the laws was a coup by the ruling party.
The mass demonstrations were initially triggered by President Yanukovych's last-minute rejection of an EU deal in November, under heavy pressure from Russia.
Both American and European officials have expressed deep concern at the new legislation.
