Read more in section
Politics Tymoshenko possibly maltreated in jail Yesterday at 20:10
Politics Analysts: Tymoshenko's imprisonment was Yanukovych's main mistake Yesterday at 16:56
Politics Some 300 supporters rallying outside Tymoshenko's prison Yesterday at 13:21
Politics Ukraine's Health Ministry calls not to speculate on Tymoshenko's health Yesterday at 12:39
Politics Eugenia Tymoshenko interviewed on BBC HARDtalk (VIDEO) 2 days ago at 15:20
Politics Ukrainian Journal: Government OKs Tymoshenko outside surgery 2 days ago at 11:19
Politics Prison service: Tymoshenko refusing to participate in community work 2 days ago at 10:39
Politics Daughter says jailed Tymoshenko may need surgery (updated) 3 days ago at 19:54
Politics Opposition asks Yanukovych to dismiss Tabachnyk 3 days ago at 17:33
Most popular Politics
French human rights ambassador notes violation of Lutsenko's rights to defense
Jan 19 at 16:34 | Interfax-UkraineThe wife of the ex-minister, Iryna Lutsenko, briefed the ambassador about the charges brought against her husband, his conditions in the detention centre, as well as Lutsenko's state of health.
After listening to her and observing the court sitting, Zimeray said that "if there is a presumption of innocence, the person should be allowed to use it... I saw an innocent man in a cage."
"I can conclude that the right to a decent defense in this case is not being observed. I found myself wondering that if the judicial system allows such treatment of Mr. Lutsenko, former Prime Minister [Yulia] Tymoshenko, Mr. Ivaschenko (former acting Ukrainian Defense Minister Valeriy Ivaschenko), then what's happening with those who cannot attract the public attention, the media," he said.
Zimeray conceded that not everything is perfect in France, and the country gets criticism from the European Court of Human Rights, but criticism from the outside allows the state to eliminate deficiencies.
The ambassador noted that Ukraine and the EU had been seeking ways to become closer for a long time.
"In the next few months, we expect to see the results of drawing closer, and respect for human rights is one of the criteria on which Ukraine's drawing closer to the European Union is [assessed]," Zimeray said.
related news
How to handle Ukraine Nov 27, 2011 at 12:27
EU official: Lutsenko, Ivaschenko groundlessly held in custody Nov 26, 2011 at 13:51
New leaders will emerge Nov 24, 2011 at 21:03
Court questions three witnesses in Lutsenko case, trial to resume on Nov 24 Nov 23, 2011 at 14:50
Witnesses in Lutsenko case still see no violations in former minister's actions Nov 21, 2011 at 14:29
Hearing of Lutsenko's case transferred for Nov. 21 Nov 18, 2011 at 09:49
European Parliament supports resolution on Ukraine Oct 27, 2011 at 14:31
Lutsenko again has fallen sick in court Oct 27, 2011 at 12:18
European Parliament urges EU officials to meet with Yanukovych Oct 26, 2011 at 16:42
Court session on Lutsenko case again postponed Oct 26, 2011 at 10:12
Court's sitting on Lutsenko's case put off until Oct. 26 Oct 25, 2011 at 10:59
Court takes pause in Lutsenko's trial until October 24 Oct 21, 2011 at 11:04
Amnesty International: Tymoshenko, Lutsenko, Ivaschenko being tortured by hunger Oct 13, 2011 at 18:37
Lutsenko regrets Tigipko's decision to unite Strong Ukraine with Regions Party Aug 18, 2011 at 11:11
Opposition wants German visa ban for several Kyiv judges Aug 16, 2011 at 18:34
Rights activist: Over 20 cases of political persecution in Ukraine Aug 16, 2011 at 13:21
Court to continue hearing Lutsenko's case on Aug. 18 Aug 11, 2011 at 13:38
Lutsenko pleads not guilty, agrees to testify in court Aug 8, 2011 at 17:55
Court leaves Lutsenko in custody Aug 8, 2011 at 14:57
Court refuses to allow Moskal to act as new lawyer for Lutsenko Aug 8, 2011 at 12:13
Lutsenko: Witnesses misrepresented me Jul 19, 2011 at 14:16
Court continues hearings of Lutsenko case Jul 19, 2011 at 13:37
Court refuses to return Lutsenko to courtroom on Thursday Jul 14, 2011 at 15:56
Lutsenko removed from courtroom because of misconduct Jul 14, 2011 at 11:49
Court bans photo-, video-, audio-recording of Lutsenko trial until verdict given Jul 14, 2011 at 11:40
Lutsenko's case sent to Pechersky District Court, says Prosecutor's Office May 17, 2011 at 13:32
Lutsenko says he wants jury trial May 17, 2011 at 11:36
State of Lutsenko's health worsened, says ex-minister's wife May 16, 2011 at 11:34
Defense team of Lutsenko can visit him at any time, say prosecutors May 13, 2011 at 16:12
Prosecutors describe Lutsenko's hunger strike as attempt to pressurize investigators May 13, 2011 at 15:07
Prosecutor General's Office: No grounds to release Lutsenko from custody May 13, 2011 at 13:41
Prosecutors allow Lutsenko's wife to visit former minister only on Thursday May 11, 2011 at 19:46