Ukraine Detains Riot Police Over Sniper Deaths

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Authorities in Ukraine say they have detained several members of an elite riot police unit on suspicion of shooting protesters during bloody anti-government clashes in February that left more than 100 dead.

Prosecutors say those detained include the head of a company in the Berkut riot police which allegedly handed out weapons for use against demonstrators.

A government report is to be released later today on the events on Feb. 18-20.

Days after those killings, President Viktor Yanukovych (yah-noo-KOH'-vich) fled the capital, precipitating the fall of his government.

The identity of the snipers is disputed. The interim government says Yanukovych ordered snipers to be deployed. Opponents of the current leadership say snipers were organized by opposition leaders trying to whip up outrage.