Up to a hundred Ukrainians in the Algarve joined forces to demonstrate against the ongoing violence in their home country, spurred by an anti-European government. The protest took place in Faro’s Jardim Manuel Bivar at the weekend.
Waving banners proclaiming “When injustice is made into laws, we have to resist”, “Criminal dictatorship in Ukraine? No! Never!” and “I am Ukrainian and I cannot remain calm”, the protesters were appealing to the Portuguese government and people to help them in opposing the human tragedy that is being flashed across news screens on a daily basis.
Violence in Ukraine erupted at the end of November when the pro-Russian government led by President Viktor Yanukovych rejected a strong wish of his people to enter Europe with a political/economic deal. Instead, Yanukovych chose closer ties with Russia – and the consequences have seen personal freedoms decimated.
New laws outlawing protests are behind the latest wave of violence that saw two protesters killed recently.
In contrast, Saturday’s calm demonstration in the sunshine in Faro, as shoppers went about their business, showed how Ukrainians living in this country enjoy so many of the freedoms that their countrymen lack.
