KIEV: Thousands of Ukrainians, yesterday for the first time, staged a major protest outside the private residence of President Viktor Yanukovych which has become a symbol of alleged corruption by the elite.
Opposition leaders vowed that protests outside the residence would become a regular feature of their campaign against the president over his rejection of a pact with the European Union which sparked mass protests in the capital Kiev.
A crowd of more than 50,000 had earlier packed Independence Square in central Kiev amid swelling anger over the brutal beating of a reporter who exposed the lavish lifestyles of Yanukovych and his ruling elite.
Some 5,000 protesters then made their way to Yanukovych’s residence known as Mezhygirya on the banks of the Dnipro river some 15km outside of Kiev by bicycle, car and minibuses adorned with Ukrainian flags, witnesses at the scene said.
They were kept at a distance of around 300 metres from the heavily guarded residence by a vast cordon of anti-riot officers who blocked the path of the protesters with police buses and trucks.
The protesters carried a coffin to symbolise what they hope is the end of Yanukovych’s political career and chanted “Kiev rise up!” and “Get Out Yanukovych”.
Ukraine’s opposition and media have long accused Yanukovych of financing Mezhygirya with funds obtained improperly by him and his family, and said its luxury is wholly inappropriate in a country going through an economic crisis.
Investigations into the financing and construction of the residence were a prime part of the work of journalist Tetyana Chornovol, who is in hospital after being beaten last week. AFP
