Rally held at Ukrainian consulate in Toronto

A gathering of people rallied outside the Ukrainian consulate in Toronto Tuesday evening in support of anti-government protesters in Kyiv, which has been the epicenter of that nation’s current unrest for nearly three months.

Olya Grod, a member of the board of directors of the Ukranian Canadian Congress, said the rally was a way to show support to those in Ukraine.

“We’re here in solidarity with the people in Ukraine,” Grod explained. “We are also here to honour those who have laid down their lives today.”

The group also hopes to raise awareness of the events all across Canada.

“This is an awareness campaign to a large degree to let our fellow Canadians know what’s happening in Ukraine,” said Grod. “That people are fighting for democracy – a democracy we so enjoy here in Canada.”

Earlier on Tuesday, a handful of anti-government protesters took shelter inside the Canadian embassy in Ukraine’s capital after riot police barged into a large opposition camp with stun grenades and water cannons.

Fewer than a dozen protesters sought refuge in the reception area of the embassy in Kyiv to escape the violent crackdown.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird’s office said they were peaceful and did not cause any damage or harm any staff.

Spokesman Adam Hodge said all Canadian embassy staff are safe and accounted for.

Thousands of police officers broke down barricades on the edge of Kyiv’s Independence Square.

But they were repelled by 20,000 protesters armed with rocks, bats and fire bombs.

With files from The Associated Press

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