You're reading: Tymoshenko not allowed to go to Brussels (update)

The investigator in charge of high-profile cases of the Prosecutor General's Office has rejected former Prime Minister and Leader of the Batkivschyna Party Yulia Tymoshenko's request to leave Ukraine to go to Brussels, the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office reported on Monday.

"The investigator argued that the date of departure coincides with investigative actions. He also cited information, suggesting that Tymoshenko wants to dodge investigation and does not plan to return," it said.

As reported, Tymoshenko was banned from travelling outside Kyiv after several criminal charges were brought against her. The politician was invited by the European People’s Party to visit Brussels from January 31 to February 2, where she was expected to meet with resident of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek.

Tymoshenko was not allowed to travel to Brussels on Jan. 26. The reason cited was that the invitation was not properly written. "Permitting a person with travel restrictions to leave the country is the investigator’s right, not duty. This issue is within his direct procedural competence," the Prosecutor General’s Office said.

Now that travel restrictions have been imposed on Tymoshenko she can only travel abroad if allowed by the investigator.