Ukraine’s special police accused of shooting protesters

Former Ukraine President, Viktor Yanukovych, was involved in hiring and planning police sniper attacks on anti-government protesters, said Ukrainian authorities on Apr. 3, 2014.

In February, 76 demonstrators were shot and killed on the streets of Kiev. Until recently, it was unclear who was responsible for the attacks, reports BBC.  The allegations come after Ukraine’s interim government conducted an inquiry revealing Berkut riot police and Russian special forces unit Alfa  likely fired the shots.

According to CBC, 12 Bekrut members have been detained on suspicion of shooting peaceful demonstrators. Russia may have also been involved in the crackdown.

During the protests, Russia’s FSB security service was seen at Ukraine’s security house and a Russian plane flew in more than 5,000 kilograms of explosives.

Yanukovych denies all allegations and claims the gunfire came from buildings held by protesters, reports BBC.

Ukrainian officials say this investigation will help achieve justice for those who were killed.

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