Activists in Kyiv have gathered in front of the Shevchenkivskiy courthouse to demand the release of nine protesters arrested during the December 1 clashes.

They say this particular protest is not only about the riot police’s use of force against people during recent demonstrations, but also against the Ukrainian judicial system in general.

Activist Taras Shamayda voiced the feelings of some protesters, who say those arrested are simply scapegoats in a system intended to transfer blame:

“We came here today to demand the release of these people who were detained without any legal grounds,” she said. “And we demand that those policemen, judges and prosecutors who fabricated the case against them be held responsible.”

The nine arrested were found guilty of organising and provoking clashes and sentenced to two months in a detention centre.

Almost all of those detained needed medical help, reportedly due to unprovoked beatings from riot police.