ECHR schedules public hearing of Tymoshenko case for August 28

Brussels - The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will on August 28 hold a public hearing on the case of Tymoshenko versus Ukraine concerning complaints related to the detention of the former prime minister, the court said in a press release obtained by an Interfax-Ukraine reporter in Brussels on Friday.

According to the document, after the hearing the court will begin its deliberations, which will be held in private. Its ruling in the case will be made at a later stage.

In addition, the ECHR noted that it "will be open to Tymoshenko making a fresh request under Rule 39 if the circumstances require."

As reported, Tymoshenko lodged an application with the court on August 10, 2011. She alleges that her detention was politically motivated, that there has been no judicial review of the lawfulness of her detention in Kyiv's pre-trial detention center, and that her detention conditions are inadequate, with no medical care provided for her numerous health problems.

Tymoshenko relies principally on Article 3 (prohibition of degrading treatment or punishment), Article 5 (right to liberty and security), Article 8 (right to private life) and Article 18 (limitation on use of restrictions on rights) of the European Convention on Human Rights.

On December 14, 2011, the court decided to give priority to the case in view of the serious and sensitive nature of the allegations raised.

On March 15, 2012, the court requested that the Ukrainian government ensure that Tymoshenko received suitable medical treatment in an appropriate institutionalized setting.