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Buzek on the upholding of the prison sentence of former Ukrainian PM Tymoshenko

Warsaw -
Friday 23/12/2011

The President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, made the following statement on today's decision by the Kyiv Court of Appeals to leave in effect the sentence handed down by the Pechersk District Court on October 11, 2011, against former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko:

"I am deeply disappointed by the Ukrainian Court of Appeal's decision to uphold the sentence of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko to 7 years in prison.

The selective application of the rule of law in the Tymoshenko-case leaves little doubt about its politically motivated nature. The further Ukraine distances itself from the rule of law inherent to democratic systems, the greater the strain will inevitably be on its relationshsip with the EU.

The public declarations of the Ukrainian authorities of their willingness to enhance relations with the EU are tested by everyday practise. The case of Prime Minister Tymoshenkho provides the worst possible prognosis for the future. It worries me that the longterm consequences might be damaging. I appeal to the Ukrainian authorities to complement their public declarations with clear action, showing their commitment to democracy, freedom and the rule of law."

Note to editors:

European Parliament resolution of 9 June 2011 on "Ukraine: the cases of Yulia Tymoshenko and other members of the former government":

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&reference=P7-TA-2011-0272&format=XML&language=EN 


 

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