Ukraine disbands riot police unit accused of violence

Kiev, Ukraine: Ukraine’s acting interior minister says he has disbanded a feared riot police force that many accuse of attacks on protesters. Arsen Avakov wrote on his Facebook page Wednesday that he has signed a decree to disband the force known as Berkut. [caption id=“attachment_1400375” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Protesters stand behind the barricades at Independence square in Kiev. AFP [/caption] Anti-government protesters have blamed Berkut for violent attacks against a peaceful demonstrators protesting authorities decision to ditch closer ties with the European Union and turn to Moscow instead. Ukraine has been consumed by a three-month-long political crisis. President Viktor Yanukovych and protest leaders signed an agreement last week to end the conflict that left more than 80 people dead in just a few days in Kiev. Shortly after, Yanukovych fled the capital for his powerbase in eastern Ukraiune but his exact whereabouts are unknown. Associated Press