Ukrainian MPs have voted to abolish controversial anti-protest laws which sparked violent riots across the country.

The laws, restricting freedom of protest and speech had become known as the dictatorship laws, and were widely condemned for undermining human rights.

The vote was supported by the ruling Party of Regions, whose MPs were given a free vote on the issue.

At an earlier session of parliament, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov offered his resignation in a bid to defuse two months of unrest in the country.

Azarov said he was stepping down because of the threat to the economy caused by two months of unrest.

The President has not officially accepted the prime minister’s resignation. If he does so, under the constitution, it will mean the resignation of the entire government.

When parliament reconvenes on Friday afternoon, MPs will discuss a law for an amnesty for protesters who have been detained and arrested.