Ex-Interior Minister of Ukraine Yuriy Lutsenko, who calls himself a political prisoner, is not going to appeal to Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych for a pardon.
“I think it’s impossible to do that, for many reasons. From the human’s point of view, it’s unacceptable for me, as I didn’t commit the crimes I’m charged with, and the verdicts of the Ukrainian courts I consider to be a political reprisal that has nothing to do with justice. I’m 100% sure that I’ll prove it at the European Court of Human Rights,” reads he minister’s report posted on the Web site of the People’s Self-Defense Party.
He said the presidential administration also knows that the ECHR will prove his innocence.
“That’s why [the presidential administration] ordered the Higher Specialized Court not to schedule consideration of my appeal. That’s why over four months after the maximum term set by the law my case hasn’t been considered. Why? To slow down its consideration at the ECHR, where I’ll definitely prove my innocence,” the ex-minister said.
“I’m not a criminal, I’m a political prisoner and for me there is nothing to pardon me for. From the political point of view it’s even more evident. There’re things even more important than freedom. I can’t allow the humiliation of the Maidan and the Ukrainian democratic opposition. The refusal to appeal to Yanukovych for pardon is my way of resisting evil. In this way I understand my duty to the country and followers,” he said.
As reported, Chernihiv Court of Appeals is considering the possible release of Lutsenko because of the state of his health.
