One Kiev Cop Dies in Clash With Protesters on Autonomy Vote
Ukrainian protesters clash with police after a vote to give greater powers to the east, outside the Parliament, in Kiev, Ukraine, on Aug. 31, 2015.
Photographer: Efrem Lukatsky/AP PhotoOne policeman died in clashes with protesters trying to force their way into Ukraine’s Parliament after it tentatively approved a plan for more autonomy in separatist-held regions, the first death of an officer since authorities cracked down on mass protests in early 2014.
The officer succumbed to injuries sustained from a grenade blast thrown at troops, Hromadske TV reported on Monday, citing Mayor Vitali Klitschko. No one at the mayor’s office was available for confirmation or details. Close to 90 policemen were injured, some critically, the National Guard reported earlier. Smoke was seen billowing from near the legislature and ambulances rushed to the scene, according to Channel 112.