Clashes Outside the Crimean Parliament In Ukraine

SIMFEROPOL, Ukraine; February 26, 2014 (RFE/RL) -- Anti-Russian protesters stormed the parliament building in Ukraine's autonomous Crimea republic. RFE/RL's correspondent reports from the scene that some Crimean lawmakers started leaving the building. There are reports of at least several people injured. The storming came after rival groups of protesters -- reportedly numbering in the thousands -- clashed outside the building. During the confrontation, anti-Russian protesters burned a red flag symbolizing the Soviet Union. Lawmakers were inside the building holding an extraordinary session to address the future of Crimea following the ouster of Russian-backed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Activists who support the new Ukrainian authorities, along with Crimean Tatars carrying Ukrainian flags, outnumbered pro-Russian activists during the confrontation. Crimea is home to Russia's Black Sea fleet and is populated by many Russian speakers. (RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service) http://www.rferl.org/