14 DAY TRIAL // ”Take a look in the mirror and tell us if you like what you've become.” That was the message Ukrainian protesters sent to the police forces when they held up mirrors in front of the men who brutally attacked their fellow demonstrators since the movement begun.
Armed with will and the desire for change, the men and women who had enough of the corruption and violence that has taken over their country decided to change their approach and focus on the power of perception. They retaliated to the violent response of armed forces with mirrors, held in front of officers in order to show them what was obvious – that they were acting against their own.
In the last days of 2013, Ukrainian protesters were faced with a brutal action of the riot police forces which ended up in a tragic bloodshed. The violent event was dubbed the EuroMaidan as militarized police violently dispersed protesters from Kiev square, explains The Huffington Post.
In order to honor those fellow demonstrators abused during the clash with the authorities, Ukrainian protesters decided to confront officers with a stronger weapon. Police never saw it coming, as they were forced to face their victims' perspective and look themselves in the eyes.
The protest began in November when the Ukrainian President decided to ditch the agreement with the European Union and tie even closer connections with Russia, despite the population’s will. The decision angered citizens who were looking forward to getting rid of the Russian influences and strengthen ties with the EU, leading to massive demonstrations.
Since its inception, the protest only grew stronger, with thousands of people enduring the horrible cold to congregate in Kiev's Independence square. In a moment of anger, they brought one of Lenin's statues to the ground, smashing it to pieces to show their repulsion towards the soviet influences.
Citizens demanding European integration have also called President Yanukovych's resignation and have been ignored or abused by military forces. Neighboring countries and EU legislators have been accusing the President of deteriorating democracy and breaching the “rule of law” as he continues to anger the population leading to escalating violence.