You're reading: Ukrainian Canadian Congress: Lutsenko case latest example of political repression

Editor’s Note: The following is a Feb. 28 statement issued by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress about the 4-year jail sentence handed down upon former Orange Revolution leader and ex-Interior Minister Yuriy Lutsenko.

OTTAWA – February 28, 2012-The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is deeply disturbed over the continuing politically motivated selective justice being administered by the Government of Ukraine towards opposition politicians. Today, former Minister of Interior and opposition leader Yuri Lutsenko was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment with confiscation of property on allegations of abuse of office and corruption.

“The Ukrainian Canadian Congress calls upon the Government of Canada to formally and publicly express its concern and dismay as to the process and verdict in this case. What we have witnessed today is another example of the politically motivated selective justice being meted out by the government of Ukraine, targeting opposition politicians in advance of October’s elections to the Verkhovna Rada,” stated Ukrainian Canadian Congress President Paul Grod. “This court case and verdict is the latest example of political repression in Ukraine and we believe that the world must stand up and take note of the situation in Ukraine.”

Grod’s comments echoed a statement issued on Feb. 27 by Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, and Stefan Füle, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy:

“We are disappointed with the verdict against Mr Lutsenko, which signals the continuation of trials in Ukraine which do not respect international standards as regards fair, transparent and independent legal process. We recall that the EU-Ukraine Summit of 19 December stated that respect for the Rule of Law will be of crucial importance for the speed of Ukraine’s political association and economic integration with the EU. We also note the recent resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on the functioning of democratic institutions in Ukraine. We will continue to monitor closely developments related to the appeals process of Mr Lutsenko, the review of the case of Mrs Yulia Tymoshenko by the Court of Appeal, and proceedings in the case of the former Acting Minister of Defence, Valeriy Ivashchenko, as well as in other similar cases. “

Lutsenko was sentenced today to fours year in jail on Monday for corruption and abuse of office. Lutsenko is the head of the People’s Self-Defense Party – Our Ukraine Bloc. Lutsenko’s alleged offences include illegally granting an apartment to his driver and financial irregularities relating to celebrations marking National Police Day.

The European Union and the United States have condemned this trial and the case targeting Tymoshenko as politically motivated proceedings and examples of selective justice.

“Canada must send a clear message to President Yanukovych that these types of actions will lead to serious consequences,” continued Grod. “We ask that Canada continue to play a principal role in protecting human rights in Ukraine.”

Former acting defence minister Valery Ivashchenko, has also been in detention since August 2010, on charges of illegally selling a ship-repair factory in Crimea. Former Economy Minister Bohdan Danylyshin, is in exile in the Czech Republic where he has been granted asylum.

Today’s events highlight the importance of the "Ukraine at the Crossroads" conference being organized in Ottawa March 7 & 8, by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Canada-Ukraine Foundation and the University of Ottawa which will bring together global experts on Ukraine to discuss issues of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and corruption in that country.