You're reading: Freedom House calls on Kyiv to allow jailed opposition figures to run for election

Freedom House recommends that the Ukrainian government stop selective prosecutions and pardon the imprisoned leaders of the opposition.

“The government should end selective prosecutions, pardon imprisoned political leaders without conditions, and allow all opposition figures, including those currently imprisoned, to contest the parliamentary elections in October,” reads a report by the organization on the situation in Ukraine that was presented in Kyiv on Thursday.

The organization also recommends that the Ukrainian parliament pass legislation that reinforces the independence of the judiciary.

“Issues related to the judiciary, especially selective prosecutions, are arguably the most controversial area affecting Ukraine’s development and image in the West,” reads the report.

“The current Ukrainian government’s political and legal tactics directly contradict its policy of advancing Ukraine’s integration with the European Union. By confronting its political opponents in the courtroom rather than at the ballot box, Ukraine’s leaders are effectively criminalizing political differences, creating an environment in which any Ukrainian politician must now fear retribution once out of office,” reads the Freedom House’s report.

According to the organization, this reality undermines the democratic process by making current leaders fear their treatment by future leaders once they leave office, and creates incentives for them not to give up power.

“The government can avoid growing international ostracism by allowing all opposition figures, including those currently imprisoned, to contest the parliamentary elections in October 2012,” reads the report.