Another landmark on the road to authoritarianism

On May 21 minister of the interior Vitaliy Zakharchenko stood on the podium of parliament to report on events surrounding two protest rallies, one pro-government and anti-government, that simultaneously took place in Kyiv the previous Saturday.

A mass of independently gathered video evidence indisputably shows that several dozen thugs/sportsmen who earlier in the day had been acting as 'security' during the pro-government rally where later involved in a violent assault on two journalists whilst numerous policemen passively watched on.

At the same time several anti-government 'Spilna Sprava' activists were surrounded by a many dozens of 'Berkut' riot police and brutally man-handled for pitching several tiny tents on Sofia square [video here]

There is credible photographic evidence that Zakharchenko, the country's top policeman, observed, and probably coordinated events on that day from the top of a tall hotel building.

Police actively co-operated with provocateurs who tried to drive a military personnel carrier-type vehicle decorated in provocative symbols [namely, a rabbit skull with crossed carrots] into the square where the opposition-organised 'Arise Ukraine' rally was taking place. [Opposition leader Arsen Yatsenyuk is sometimes called 'the rabbit']

Furthermore the same thugs who assaulted the journalists  were seen cordially discussing their days work with 'Berkut' 'space-cadets' before they were allowed to go their own way. These guys are well known and have figured in other situations e.g. during the previous election campaign when 'heads needed to be knocked'. They are known to train in police sports facilities.

Zakharchenko, in total contradiction to the video evidence, pitched an entirely different story in parliament - producing a complete pack of lies, laying the blame for the assault on the opposition..

Zakharchenko was for many many years high-ranking law enforcement officer. He knows in his heart of hearts he has lied to the country to cover for the misdeeds of his patron, Viktor Yanukovych. He knows the police are actively collaborating with mindless thugs. The man is now completely discredited.

Since becoming president there have been many landmark events on Ukraine's slide into authoritarianism. Yesterday was just the latest.

p.s. Note to European  politicians: It's not going to get better - the Ukrainian version of 'Lukashenisation' is well under way....and will be resisted...it will not be pretty.