Price Rises Prompt Brawl Among Kyiv Councilors

The scenes inside were more violent (epa) December 7, 2006 -- Thousands of residents protested outside the city hall in Kyiv today as city councilors inside brawled over proposed steep hikes in utility rates.

One councilor was reportedly knocked unconscious in the scuffle.

The mayor, Leonid Chernovetsky, says the increases are necessary because the previous administration had not raised rates since 1999. The opposition is demanding that he resign.

(UNIAN, AP)