Tensions as Ukrainian Government detains Pro-Russian protesters in Donetsk

There were tense scenes in Ukraine's eastern city of Donetsk as  several dozen pro-Russia protesters were detained during a police operation to  clear demonstrators from the regional administration centre.

The building had been occupied by pro-Russian protesters since Wednesday evening and was taken over by police on Thursday.

Protesters in the ethnic Russian  stronghold demanded a referendum for greater autonomy in the region. Some called for union with Russia. 

"We are all Russians, we are  slavic. We want to live in a big, strong country, not in the divided thumb of
one arm," one local resident said. [AP]

ALJAZEERA