Miner protesting in Ukrainian Energy Ministry building attempts to set himself on fire

Published Aug. 9, 2016 at 4:04 pm

Azov Volunteer Battalion members and the coal miners protest outside of the Cabinet of Ministers with the demand to lower utility tariffs. Miners also demand to pay off the wages debts and not to close the mines on July 20 in Kyiv.

Photo by Antonina Gutevich

One of the mine workers who earlier went on hunger strike attempted self-immolation in the Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Ministry building.

The mine worker attempted it during a press conference on August 9, an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent reported.

Those present put out the fire immediately and prevented the miner’s actions.

Doctors were called for him.

Heated arguments continue in the entry hall of the ministry.

Mykhailo Volynets, head of the Independent Trade Union of Mine Workers, is accusing the ministry’s representatives and the National Guard securing the building of everything and conducting heated arguments with those present.

As reported, the mine workers continue to demand payments of wage arrears.