Ukraine launches fresh protests over journalist's death

Several thousand people have gathered in central Kiev to demand the resignation of Ukraine's President Leonid Kuchma.

The demonstration follows allegations that Kuchma was involved in the murder of an opposition journalist and is the latest of dozens of street rallies in recent months.

About 5,000 people showed up, fewer than the tens of thousands opposition leaders predicted but more than took part in protests last week when it appeared the popular movement was winding down.

Demonstrators held placards and shouted: "Down with Kuchma!" and "Truth!" as opposition leaders addressed the gathering.

The opposition, an assortment of parties ranging from ultra-nationalists to socialists, accuses Kuchma of ordering the murder of outspoken journalist Heorhiy Gongadze, which Kuchma denies.

Kuchma was implicated in the case by a former security guard, who released tape recordings allegedly documenting Kuchma talking to his top aides about moves to silence Gongadze.

Gongadze disappeared in September, and a beheaded body found later in the outskirts of Kiev is believed to be his. In his articles, Gongadze had criticized Kuchma's government as corrupt.