KIEV, December 5 (RAPSI) – Police in Kiev have opened 64 criminal cases since mass riots began in the Ukrainian capital, and 14 individuals have been detained, Deputy Head of the Investigating Department of Ukraine's Interior Ministry Oleg Tatarov, told journalists.

The Ukrainian government announced on November 21 that it was halting plans to sign long-anticipated trade and association deals with the European Union (EU), because of the damage it would do to trade with Russia. It said it would seek closer cooperation with Russia and the Moscow-led Customs Union, which includes Belarus and Kazakhstan. The announcement has led to mass pro-European rallies in Kiev.

Mass rallies challenging government policies were held in Kiev on Sunday. 35 activists were detained. In those cases, the police drew up administrative protocols and then released the protesters. According to medics, 35 people have been injured. Twelve police officers were also injured in the clashes with protesters.

Presently the rallies are going on.

Tatarov asserted that peaceful protesters have not been detained; only those who have been public nuisances or committed acts of violence against the police are now in custody, Tatarov said.

According to Tatarov, investigators are doing their best to bring the riots' organizers and other perpertrators to justice.