Protests in Ukraine leaves 18 dead and alarm to the EU

Eighteen people, including civilians and policemen, were killed yesterday in Kiev as a consequence of the violent clashes between demonstrators antigubermanentales and the forces of order, who are trying to evict the Maidan square, occupied by opponents for three months.

President Viktor Yanukovich refused to stop the assault on the forces of the order against the Maidan (independence) and ordered to evacuate, said Vitali Klitschko after meeting with this opponent.

The previous balance (released in the morning) said five civilians and seven policemen dead. Protesters gathered in the square, many equipped with helmets and shields, erected a wall of fire to protect themselves from the police officers who began to evacuate them after violent clashes at night.

The claims initiated a day after that came into force a law of amnesty that would encourage freedom for more than 230 detainees in the popular protests which began last November. In addition, opposition convened the March to demand to restore the Constitution of 2004, which would limit the powers of President Yanukovich on behalf of Parliament.