You're reading: Fule concerned about situation of Tymoshenko, demands immediate clarification

Brussels – European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule is extremely concerned about the recent reports on the treatment of former Ukrainian Premier Yulia Tymoshenko and insists that the Ukrainian authorities immediately clarify what had happened during Tymoshenko's transfer from prison to hospital on April 20.

Fule said this during a meeting with First Vice Premier of Ukraine Valeriy Khoroshkovsky, according to the EU Commissioner’s press service.

"Commissioner Fule expressed his extreme concern about the recent reports on the treatment of Tymoshenko, and insisted that the Ukrainian authorities immediately clarify what had happened during Tymoshenko’s transfer from prison to hospital on 20 April and afterwards," reads the press release.

The Commissioner also underlined the need for Ukraine to grant access to Tymoshenko for her legal advisers, family, appropriate independent persons, and the EU ambassador to Ukraine.

Fule reminded Khoroshkovsky that it was crucial for Ukraine to demonstrate a solid commitment to the rule of law and democratic values in order to facilitate further steps towards the signature and ratification of the Association Agreement.

"He underlined that Ukraine should make every effort to dispel concerns about politically motivated trials and the selective use of justice as part of a broader judiciary reform. In this context, he also stressed the need for Ukraine to respect fully the legal and human rights of defendants and detainees, including their medical care," the press service said.