Ukraine: New protests after brutal attack on journalist Tetyana Chornovol

Fresh anti-government protests gathered tens of thousands of Ukrainians in Kiev.

Many demonstrators also marched on President Viktor Yanukovych’s official residence outside the capital.

They have been re-energized by a brutal attack on a prominent journalist, Tetyana Chornovol, on Christmas Day.

Tetyana Chornovol had accused Viktor Yanukovych of corruption over his financing of the Mezhygirya residence in an expose.

Viktor Yanukovych denies any allegation of corruption and has called for an investigation into the attack on Tetyana Chornovol.

Protesters made their way to the Mezhygirya residence, some 9 miles away on the banks of the Dnipro river, by bike, car and minibus, where they carried a coffin to symbolize what they hope is the end of his political life, AFP reported.

Demonstrators first took to the streets in late November, angered by President Viktor Yanukovych’s decision to abandon an association agreement with the European Union in favor of closer ties with Russia.

Protesters continue to occupy the central Independence Square and have refortified barricades to ward off attempts by police to clear the camp – though such attempts now appear to have been abandoned.

But on Sunday, more protesters returned to the streets of Kiev, many angered by the attack on Tetyana Chornovol, who says her car was run off the road before she was taken out and beaten by men.

Pictures have been circulated of her bloodied and swollen face following the beating.

Local news agencies say five men have been placed under arrest but no motive has been put forward.

Tetyana Chornovol, 34, says her assailants followed her in a “black luxury” SUV after she had been taking pictures of the residences of senior administration figures.