Ukraine Parlaiment Scuffle Sends Lawmaker to the Hospital

Posted May 25th, 2012 at 1:40 am (UTC-5)
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A violent brawl erupted in the Ukrainian parliament Thursday, sending at least one lawmaker to the hospital.

Lawmakers loyal to President Viktor Yanukovich scuffled with opposition legislators over the use of Russian as an official language in the predominantly Russian speaking eastern region.

President Yanukovich supports the pro-Russian bill, but the pro-Western opposition lawmakers say it threatens Ukraine's independence from Russia.

One opposition lawmaker was taken to the hospital bleeding from his head.

The opposition has reportedly called for an investigation into the brawl, which showcased the division in the country.

Ukraine is separated into the Russian speaking east and south regions and the Ukrainian speaking western region.