Protesters faced off with police in central Kiev on December 17 as thousands called for the impeachment of President Petro Poroshenko and the resignation of the top prosecutor following charges against a high-profile opposition leader.
Mikheil Saakashvili, a former Poroshenko ally, is to stand trial on charges of abetting a criminal group connected to ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Many believe these charges to be politically motivated after Saakashvili fell out with Poroshenko, accusing authorities of widespread corruption.
Saakashvili, a Georgian citizen and former Georgian President, came to Ukraine amid the political upheaval in 2013 and was made governor of Odessa. Ukraine also said Saakashvili would likely be extradited at the request of Georgia to stand trial on charges in connection with his presidency there. However, Georgia has denied a request for extradition, according to Russia’s Tass agency.
Scuffles broke out when protesters reportedly attempted to enter a concert hall at Kiev’s Independence Square after Saakashvili told them he intended to set up his headquarters there. Credit: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty via Storyful
