U.S. Embassy on Zhovtnevy Palace storming: This is an abuse of right to peaceful protest

The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine has said it agrees with the assessment of events in the center of Kyiv on December 17, which was previously given by Canadian and British ambassadors.

"We agree with our Canadian and UK colleagues. Attempts to seize and damage public buildings are an abuse of the right to peaceful protest," the embassy wrote on Twitter.

As reported, supporters of Mikheil Saakashvili-led Movement of New Forces held the so-called people's assembly on December 17, after which they tried to storm the International Center of Culture and Arts (Zhovtnevy Palace).

Law enforcement officers prevented activists from seizing the building, using fire extinguishers and tear gas against them. As a result, 32 law enforcers, including 15 National Guard servicemen and 17 police officers, were injured in the clashes.

Investigators opened three criminal proceedings due to the events near the Zhovtnevy Palace -  under Articles 15, 341 (an attempt to seize state or public buildings or structures), Article 345 (threat or violence against an employee of a law enforcement agency) and Article 343 (intervention in the activities of a law enforcement officer) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

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