Pro-Russian presidential candidate beaten by crowd in UkraineApril 15, 2014 - 13:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A Ukrainian presidential candidate, known for his radical pro-Russia views, was beaten early on Tuesday, April 15, by a crowd that took exception to comments he made in a television interview, according to Reuters. Oleh Tsarev, who has backed Ukraine's membership of the Moscow-led customs union rather than European integration, was attacked after giving an interview to Ukraine's ICTV channel in which his critics said he appeared to back an intervention by Russian troops in Ukraine's rebellious eastern regions. He later denied saying this and said he was categorically against Russian forces being sent into Ukraine. Angry crowds gathered at the studio's offices after his interview and tempers rose after word went round that police had found weapons in his car outside. Video footage from the scene showed guns and cartridge clips, Reuters said. The 44-year-old Tsarev, whose presidential bid has only the tiniest support, waited two hours at the studios before stepping out into the crowd where, despite some protection from his bodyguards, he was engulfed by a mob who threw eggs at him and then beat him. He was hustled into a waiting ambulance but members of a far-right nationalist group Right Sector seized him and drove him first to the headquarters of the state security service and then to the prosecutor's office. Standing bare to the waist and with a black eye and scratches to his face, Tsarev told journalists: "I did not ask for Russian troops to be sent in. I am categorically against this. I am against a third party interfering in the affairs of Ukraine. Until we learn to listen to each other, Ukraine will stand no chance." The attack on Tsarev, who has often been pictured in a T-shirt bearing the slogan "Born in the USSR", comes against a background of tension over a rash of pro-Russia separatist rebellions which have aroused Ukrainians' fears of a Russian military intervention. Opinion polls show Tsarev with less than 1 percent support in the May 25 election. Photo: Euroinfo Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |