Ukraine protests: Demonstrators in Kiev receive disturbing mass text
Country's Interior Ministry denies responsibility
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference."Dear subscriber, you are registered as a participant in a mass disturbance" – that was the text message received by thousands of protestors in Kiev, Ukraine when they awoke on Tuesday morning.
It sounds like something out of George Orwell's 1984, a message thought to be from authorities (though the sender appeared only as '111') and sent out on mass to the public warning of civil disobedience and presuming their cooperation in the matter.
In fact, 'subscribers' may not even have been protesters but those simply in proximity to the rallies in the Ukrainian capital, with the New York Times reporting: "Ukrainian government used telephone technology to pinpoint the locations of cell phones in use near clashes between riot police officers and protesters early on Tuesday."
The Guardian reports that the country's Interior Ministry denies sending the SMS messages, but recipients remain unconvinced, with one demonstrator telling the publication: "I think these texts are stupid and are targeting people who are easily scared. They are not going to scare off the people who are already protesting."
Ukrainians have been taking to the streets in their millions to protest President Yanukovych's decision to back out of EU trade plans this week, with thousands occupying Kiev's Independence Square and clashing with police.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments