Ukraine's Constitutional Court has banned the use of the Soviet flag during World War II commemorations, reversing a move recently approved by the country's president.
Pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych in May signed into law a measure for the hammer-and-sickle flag to be raised at government buildings during annual observances of the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Widespread displays of the Soviet flag in the western city of Lviv touched off riots in May, as many people living there see the Red Army as a foreign occupier rather than a liberator.
The court today said the law violated the constitution, which does not list the Soviet flag as a government symbol.
compiled from agency reports
Pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych in May signed into law a measure for the hammer-and-sickle flag to be raised at government buildings during annual observances of the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Widespread displays of the Soviet flag in the western city of Lviv touched off riots in May, as many people living there see the Red Army as a foreign occupier rather than a liberator.
The court today said the law violated the constitution, which does not list the Soviet flag as a government symbol.
compiled from agency reports
