Watchdog

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has rescinded his decision to bar 10 journalists from covering cabinet meetings.

Earlier, about 100 journalists demonstrated in front of the Ukrainian government building on May 23, protesting Azarov's order to withdraw press accreditations.

On May 22, the 10 journalists stepped in front of television cameras at a cabinet session and turned their backs on the ministers.

The reporters were protesting an earlier attack on two journalists in Kyiv, a husband and wife.

The journalists had signs pinned to their backs that read, "Today, it's a female journalist [beaten up], tomorrow-- your wife, sister, daughter. Do something!"

Azarov met on May 23 with the protesting journalists and urged them to "act professionally," warning that accreditations will be canceled if a similar situation happens again.

Based on reporting by UNIAN and Interfax

A man suspected in the beating of two journalists in Kyiv on May 18 has been released on bail.

A court in Kyiv ordered Vadym Titushko to pay the equivalent of $2,780 to be released from pretrial detention.

Titushko was arrested and charged with hooliganism on May 21.

He was allegedly one of several men who attacked opposition activists during an opposition gathering in Kyiv on May 18.

PHOTO GALLERY: Journalists Attacked In Kyiv

Several activists were injured, as well as two independent journalists.

Dozens of journalists protested in Kyiv on May 20, demanding the attackers be brought to justice.

Opposition lawmakers have demanded explanations regarding reports the police did nothing to stop the beatings.

The Committee to Protect Journalists and Freedom House condemned the attacks and urged Ukrainian authorities to investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has ordered that several local reporters be barred from covering government meetings after they staged a silent protest over the attacks.

Reporters attending a cabinet meeting on May 22 stepped in front of television cameras and turned their backs on Azarov and his colleagues.

Signs pinned to their backs read, "Today it's a female journalist [beaten up], tomorrow -- your wife, sister, daughter. Do something!"

Azarov called the act "a show" and "a circus" and told his aides to "write down their names and revoke their accreditation."

Based on reporting by UNIAN and Reuters