Ukrainian Greek Cath. Church Rips Police Cruelty; Denounces Police Action Against Peaceful Protests

The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) has strongly denounced police action against protesters in Kiev's "Independence Square" after police stormed the area which has been occupied by protesters for over a week, the EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) website reports today (December 21, 2013).

"We are profoundly disturbed by the actions of the state security forces on the Maydan Square in the heart of Kiev conducted under cover of night," the permanent synod of the UGCC said in a statement.

The permanent synod also expressed its support for "the peaceful character of this civic gathering" and declared its "rejection of any type of violence."

For several weeks, Ukrainians have been protesting President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to scrap key trade and political agreements with the EU (European Union). This week, Yanukovych angered a plethora of Ukrainians even more -- many are now demanding the end of his presidency -- as a result of his signing a trade agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, instead of with the EU.