You're reading: Four European countries condemn Tymoshenko arrest

PRAGUE (AP) — Four countries that were once part of the communist bloc have condemned the imprisonment of former Ukraine Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko during her abuse of office trial.

The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia said in a joint statement Tuesday that Tymoshenko’s arrest was "inadequate to the charges of violating court rules" and "fair, transparent and independent judicial procedure should be granted to all Ukrainians."

Tymoshenko was arrested on a judge’s orders Friday during her abuse-of-office trial. She has criticized the trial as an attempt by the current government to bar her from elections, and mocked the court.

The countries say Ukraine will have to adhere to the rule of law and fair judicial procedures if it is to join the European Union.