You're reading: Ukrainian Canadian Congress condemns decision in Tymoshenko case

Ottawa, Canada - The Ukrainian Canadian community is deeply disturbed by the verdict handed down by the Pechersk district Court in Kyiv in the trial against the former Prime Minister of Ukraine, Mrs. Yulia Tymoshenko.

On Oct.11 Mrs. Yulia Tymoshenko was found guilty of exceeding her authority while prime minister. She has been sentenced to 7 years incarceration and a 3-year ban from holding public office for having signed a gas deal with the Russian Federation that is "unfavourable to Ukraine" during her term in office. Her defence has 15 days to appeal the decision.

"The Ukrainian Canadian Congress calls on the Government of Canada to formally and publicly express its concern and dismay as to the process and verdict in this case. Canada must urge Ukrainian authorities to ensure a fair, transparent and impartial process in any appeal in the case of Mrs Tymoshenko and in the other trials related to members of the former Government," stated UCC National President Paul Grod. "The right of appeal should not be compromised by imposing limitations on the defendants’ ability to stand in future elections in Ukraine, including the parliamentary elections scheduled for next year."

Over the past weeks many political leaders have condemned the trial, highlighting its political nature and the attempt to eliminate Mrs. Tymoshenko as an Opposition leader. Today the European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton issued the following statement:

"The verdict comes after a trial which did not respect the international standards as regards fair, transparent and independent legal process which I repeatedly called for in my previous statements. This unfortunately confirms that justice is being applied selectively in politically motivated prosecutions of the leaders of the opposition and members of the former government. It is especially disappointing for a country that currently holds the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe."

"Canada must send a clear message to President Yanukovych that these types of actions will lead to serious consequences including jeopardizing the negotiation of a Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement," continued Grod. "We ask that Canada continue to play a principal role in protecting human rights in Ukraine, building upon the leadership that Prime Minister Harper initiated during his visit to Ukraine in October 2010. Canada should do all within its power to help Ukraine reverse its disturbing decline in democratic practices and human rights that, if unchecked, threatens a return to authoritarianism.

"A timely and forceful public statement expressing Canada’s unequivocal disapproval to President Yanukovych and his government is essential," concluded Grod.