Riots and protests have torn through cities in across three continents this weekend, with police and protesters engaged in running battles in Bangkok, Kiev and Cairo.

We look at some of the most striking images of the weekend's unrest, and examine what lies behind the protests.

Bangkok, Thailand

In Thailand, protesters attempting to oust the government of Yingluck Shinawatra attacked key sites across the capital, forcing Ms Yingluck to flee a police compound for safety when it was attacked.

It is the eighth day of protest which have so far claimed four lives, with demonstrators demanding that power be handed to an elected 'People's Council'.

An anti-government protester wearing national colours throws a rock during clashes with police near the Government house in Bangkok
An anti-government protester wearing national colours throws a rock during clashes with police near the Government house in Bangkok
Masked anti-government protesters get ready to attack a barricade during clashes with police near the Government house in Bangkok
Masked anti-government protesters get ready to attack a barricade during clashes with police near the Government house in Bangkok
Anti-government protesters throw rocks at Thai Riot police as they attack Government House in Bangkok
Anti-government protesters throw rocks at Thai Riot police as they attack Government House in Bangkok
Anti-government protesters try to retrieve a teargas canister during clashes with police near the Government House in Bangkok
Anti-government protesters try to retrieve a teargas canister during clashes with police near the Government House in Bangkok
A Buddhist monk covers his face with wet handkerchief during clashes with police near government house in Bangkok
A Buddhist monk covers his face with wet handkerchief during clashes with police near government house in Bangkok

Kiev, Ukraine

In the Ukrainian capital Kiev 100,000 people protesting against a government decision not to form closer EU ties took to the streets in defiance of a ban.

Protesters fought running battles with officers who used stun guns and tear gas to push them back from the presidential office whilst others stormed the city council offices, taking them over.

Reports indicate that dozens of protesters and about 100 police office have been injured in clashes.

Supporters of EU integration hold a rally in the Maidan Nezalezhnosti or Independence Square in central Kiev,
Supporters of EU integration hold a rally in the Maidan Nezalezhnosti or Independence Square in central Kiev,
Men kneel down while riot police stand guard near the presidential administration building during a rally held by supporters of EU integration in Kiev
Men kneel down while riot police stand guard near the presidential administration building during a rally held by supporters of EU integration in Kiev
People climb up onto a gate near the presidential administration building during a rally held by supporters of EU integration in Kiev
People climb up onto a gate near the presidential administration building during a rally held by supporters of EU integration in Kiev
Protesters throw stones at police during a rally held by supporters of EU integration in Kiev December
Protesters throw stones at police during a rally held by supporters of EU integration in Kiev December

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In Cairo, clouds of tear gas again rolled through Tahrir Square as police fought protesters who had gathered in support of deposed Islamist president Mohammed Morsi.

There had been clashes earlier in the week after crowds gathered to denounce a new law restricting the right to protest, and the death of a student at the hands of police on Thursday.

Pro-Mursi university students and supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood occupy Tahrir Square for the first time since the removal of President Mohamed Mursi in Cairo
Pro-Mursi university students and supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood occupy Tahrir Square for the first time since the removal of President Mohamed Morsi in Cairo
Soldiers riding armoured personnel carriers (APC) arrive at Tahrir Square after clashes with pro-Mursi protesters in Cairo
Soldiers riding armoured personnel carriers (APC) arrive at Tahrir Square after clashes with pro-Morsi protesters in Cairo
A pro-Mursi university student and supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood gestures with four fingers in front of a burning police vehicle at Al Nahda square in Cairo
A pro-Morsi university student and supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood gestures with four fingers in front of a burning police vehicle at Al Nahda square in Cairo
Supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood and ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi flee teargas fired by riot police at Tahrir Square in Cairo
Supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood and ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi flee teargas fired by riot police at Tahrir Square in Cairo
Thailand Egypt Ukraine