Kyiv City Council Meets Amid Protests

Protesters outside the Kyiv City Council building on October 2

Ukrainian police have scuffled with protesters trying to enter the city council building in the capital, Kyiv.

A crowd of protesters gathered earlier on October 2 outside the building in central Kyiv to block what the opposition says was an illegal council session.

Opposition activists said police used tear gas to disperse protesters, who tried to dismantle metal barriers outside the building. Five opposition activists were detained.

Opposition lawmakers and activists have been blocking the Kyiv City Council for months. The opposition says the mandate of the legislature, which is dominated by allies of President Viktor Yanukovych, ended in June and that a new election must be held.

The Constitutional Court has validated the mandate of the council and says the next elections will be held in 2015.

With reporting by Reuters, Pravda.com.ua