Ukrainian Protesters Force Riot Police to See Themselves Through Their Eyes

Ukranian protestor holds up a mirror to the police in riot gear
Impact

Protests in Ukraine's capital have been going strong since late November, but a series of striking images from a recent demonstration is garnering a whole new level of attention for the movement, known as EuroMaidan.

On Dec. 30 at noon, protesters in Kiev held mirrors up at police officers for a full 30 minutes, to commemorate the night of Nov. 30 when riot police used excessive force to break up a peaceful rally on Independence Square. The mirrors seemed to say, "Look at what you have become." Protestors held posters that read, "Who and what are you protecting?"

Image Credit: AP

Image Credit: AP

The demonstration occurred near various paths that lead to the government building district where police have been stationed during the city's unrest.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych suspended three lower-level officials over the Nov. 30 incident, but many believe that the law enforcement officials who gave the order were not dismissed.

Image Credit: AP