Ukrainian MPs have voted to abolish controversial anti-protest laws which sparked violent riots across the country.<br /><br />The laws, restricting freedom of protest and speech had become known as the dictatorship laws, and were widely condemned for undermining human rights.<br /><br />The vote was supported by the ruling Party of Regions, whose MPs were given a free vote on the issue.<br /><br />At an earlier session of parliament, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov offered his resignation in a bid to defuse two months of unrest in the country.<br /><br />Azarov said he was stepping down because of the threat to the economy caused by two months of unrest.<br /><br />The President has not officially accepted the prime minister’s resignation. If he does so, under the constitution, it will mean the resignation of the entire government.<br /><br />When parliament reconvenes on Friday afternoon, MPs will discuss a law for an amnesty for protesters who have been detained and arrested.
