Ukraine police disperse anti-NATO protesters

In Odessa Ukrainian police have dispersed protesters in tents who were demonstrating against the Sea Breeze 2008 joint military exercise involving NATO troops. Two people were reportedly taken to hospital.

An official from the Ukrainian Progressive Socialist Party accused the police of using excessive force, including against women and children.

In response, local authorities said they are not aware of protesters being beaten up. They added the police only had the right to draw up a report about an administrative violation of the law, even if the protesters showed resistance.

Any demonstrations both for and against the exercises had been forbidden by a Ukrainian court.