Pro-, anti-government protesters clash in Ukraine capital

The scuffles broke out on Saturday as both sides held large rallies.
 
According to a statement released by Ukrainian police, about 10,000 people took part in the rallies.
 
Opposition protesters demanded the release of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and other political prisoners from jail. They also called on President Yanukovych to step down.
 
    “Yulia should to be released, because Yulia Tymoshenko is in prison with political motives. We all know that reforms have been changed to be against the people. Freedom for Yulia!,” a protester said.
 
 
Tymoshenko has been convicted of overstepping her authority while negotiating a gas deal with Russia in 2009. She says she's innocent and accuses Yanukovych of throwing her in jail to bar her from last October's parliamentary elections.
 
Yanukovych, who has been president for three years, has rejected calls to free his rival, arguing that she has been sentenced by an independent court.
 
Critics say Yanukovych's push to centralize power and crack down on opposition movements has led to popular discontent and a dramatic slide in support for his government.