PARIS (AFP) - French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the increasing violence in Ukraine and urged the government to ensure the rule of law.

Mr Hollande voiced his "very serious concern" after Kiev tightened laws on "freedom of expression and assembly," government spokesman Najat Vallaud-Belkacem said.

He also urged the Ukrainian authorities "to strictly respect their commitments in respect to democracy and the rule of law," she said.