Ukrainian Protestors Attacked by Government Security Forces

Government security forces attacked protestors in Kiev. Since we've covered the protests in the Maidan, (Here, here, and here) I thought you should be aware not only of this development, but also of the actions taken by the government to cause it.

Last week, the legislature passed new laws that essentially made activities and behaviors of the protestors illegal. This opened the way to the attacks by security forces.

Under the new laws, people wearing masks or helmets during protests or erecting tents risk arrest and anyone blocking state buildings can be imprisoned for five years. Drivers of cars traveling in convoys of five or more face fines and confiscation of their driving licenses after activists arranged mass outings to the homes of officials including Yanukovych.

The government simply "made up" laws to allow them to take the actions they desired and couch their actions in "law." We see here an example where the government will claim they were simply enforcing the law by attacking. This is exactly what I was hoping would not happen, but knew would once these laws were passed last week. The courageous protestors, who have gathered in the cold of the Ukrainian winter since late November, and have displayed tremendous patience and forbearance in the face of threats from security forces, have been subjected to the heavy arm of government pursuing its desire to protect and defend its power at all costs.

Since today is the observed holiday of the birthday of Martin Luther King, we might remember how Dr. King himself preached the sort or "non-violent" activities the protestors in the Maidan pursued. Perhaps he and his predecessor in non-violent protests, Mahatma Ghandi, whose non-violent approach Dr. King emulated, also served as examples for the people in the Maidan. In fact, I came across this video on Youtube weeks ago created to support the people in the Maidan. You will hear the strains of "We Shall Overcome," the anthem of Dr. King's movement, and see footage of the attacks by security forces that took place in late November/early December. Given what's just happened, I think it's appropriate to post it here, now. I found it moving then, even more so now.

 
Please join me today in prayer for the people of Ukraine and their legitimate fight for freedom from tyranny.