Russian opposition leader on Kiev protests, Khodorkovsky release скачать в хорошем качестве

Russian opposition leader on Kiev protests, Khodorkovsky release

(22 Dec 2013) A prominent activist from Moscow on Sunday said the mass protests in Ukraine's capital were a source of inspiration for Russia's opposition. Ilya Yashin was speaking in Kiev, after joining the tens of thousands of anti-government protesters gathered in Independence Square. "This event, this phenomenon, will help the development of the protest movement in Russia just like in 2004 with the Orange Revolution, and I am really glad to have experienced a bit of this enthusiasm," the Russian opposition leader said. "I will take it to Moscow, as this is something we lack," he added. Tens of thousands of demonstrators who favour closer ties between their country and the EU gathered on Kiev's Independence Square on Sunday afternoon as opposition leaders spoke to the crowds. Ukrainian President, Viktor Yanukovich has faced nearly a month of angry protests since his abrupt decision to shelve a political and trade agreement with the EU in favour of closer ties with Russia. The rallies have grown larger, swelling to hundreds of thousands, after riot police violently broke up the first small protests, injuring dozens. Yashin also spoke of the release of jailed businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Yashin said most were surprised by the release, as they had expected Khodorkovsky to be in jail as long as Russian President Vladimir Putin was in the Kremlin. Khodorkovsky walked free on Friday after being imprisoned for a decade for tax evasion and money-laundering. The case was widely criticised in many Western countries as a political revenge, for Khodorkovsky had challenged Putin's dominance by funding opposition parties. He was also believed to have personal political ambitions. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...