Ukrainian nationalists poison police with gas

18 Oct, 2008 16:33 / Updated 16 years ago

Twenty-two policemen have been injured and more than a hundred demonstrators arrested after a nationalist rally in Ukraine’s capital Kiev turned violent. Around 400 protesters had been heading to the capital's main square when they were stopped by police.

Police say the protesters used tear-gas against the officers and 22 of them were treated in hospital for gas poisoning. Several policemen needed treatment for the effects of the substance. The rally was organised to celebrate the anniversary of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, or UPA. The military wing of Ukraine’s nationalists was formed in October 1942 to fight against both Nazis and Soviet troops.