In Kiev, on the actions of Ukrainian entrepreneurs against the introduction of a lockdown because of the coronavirus, clashes began with the police, reports “Strana.ua”.
According to the newspaper, the protesters tried to set up tents in front of the building Verkhovna Rada . They brought the appropriate equipment by car and announced that the action would continue until all the requirements of the businessmen were met. Security officials tried to interfere with the protesters, after which fights broke out on the square. Due to the numerical superiority of the demonstrators, the police had to spray pepper gas.
Later, the security forces still managed to repulse the tents, the protesters began to be detained and taken to the paddy wagons. Now additional police units are gathering to the center of the Ukrainian capital. Demonstrators continue the action, some of them throw sticks and smoke bombs at law enforcement officers.
The rally against the introduction of new coronavirus restrictions was organized by the Ukrainian movement of entrepreneurs “SaveFOP”. Businessmen unhappy with the government’s decision to introduce a lockdown in the country due to the pandemic and the new law, obliging small businesses to install cash registers.
Previously government of Ukraine introduced enhanced quarantine measures due to COVID-19 from 8 to 24 January. At this time, the work of all entertainment establishments will be stopped in the country, markets, schools, universities and cultural institutions will be closed. In addition, the authorities of the republic have extended the emergency situation due to the pandemic until February 28.
Ukrainian economists called such a decision a measure to “strangle” citizens and business … They believe that the January lockdown will finish off the service sector and trade, and people who have been left without jobs and salaries will not be able to pay the increased utility rates.