Ukraine Scraps Controversial Anti-Protest Law

Ukrainian MPs applauded the result of the vote annulling a controversial anti-protest law. Photo EPA/BGNES

The Ukrainian parliament has voted by large majority to cancel controversial anti-protest legislation.

The law was only passed on January 16, but fueled further antigovernment protests in the country.

361 lawmakers have voted in favor, only two have been against, and 40 have abstained.

The law gave police extra powers to tackle demonstrators.

The measures, which were hastily voted in mid-January, included a ban on the unauthorized installation of tents, stages or amplifiers in public places; provision to arrest protesters wearing masks or helmets; ban on protests involving more than five vehicles in convoy; hefty fines or jail for breaches of law

The move triggered strong criticism from the EU and the US, even though the governing party of President Viktor Yanukovych insisted the legislation was in line with European standards.

Prior to the vote, Yanukovych had already agreed to annul the law in a concession to the opposition.

MPs applauded as the result was announced.

There was a similar response in Kiev's Independence Square

The repeal of the controversial legislation happened after the announcement of Ukraine's Prime Minister Mykola Azarov that he was resigning.

The wave of antigovernment protests began in November, after Yanukovych backed out of an Association Agreement with the EU.