Cabinet expects security forces to react to rally near President’s Office

“The Constitution of Ukraine guarantees the right of citizens to peaceful assembly and demonstration. Such a right is one of the pillars of modern representative democracy. Meanwhile, members of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine strongly condemn vandalism and insult to state symbols during protests,” reads the joint statement by the members of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine published on the Government portal.

As noted, the illegal actions that took place near the Office of the President on March 20 are unacceptable and contradict the European values enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine.

“The Government calls on all citizens to refrain from such actions and to exercise their rights exclusively in a peaceful manner. We expect the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Security Service of Ukraine to investigate the events of March 20,” says the statement.

On Saturday evening, March 20, a rally in support of convicted activist Serhiy Sternenko took place near the Office of the President, during which some participants painted the building with protest signs, smashed front doors and set fire to a plaque on the facade.

Police later said they had detained one of the most aggressive participants in Saturday's rally.

The Office of the President informed that the damage caused to the building amounted to about UAH 2 million, but the sum may increase.

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