Ukraine-Tymoshenko
EU must up pressure on Yanukovych over treatment of opposition politicians
Commenting on reports that jailed former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko has started a hunger strike in response to the conditions of her detention, mistreatment and being denied access to suitable medical treatment, Greens/EFA co-president Rebecca Harms stated:
"Reports of the serious deterioration in the conditions surrounding Yulia Tymoshenko's detention and her hunger strike are disturbing. The EU needs to up the pressure on the Ukrainian authorities and president Yanukovych to end their mistreatment of Tymoshenko and other former government politicians. As a first step, this must mean ensuring that Tymoshenko receives proper medical treatment from medical staff she trusts, as well as ensuring the detention conditions of all prisoners are consistent with international standards."
Green foreign affairs spokesperson Werner Schulz added:
"The forthcoming European football championships in Ukraine and Poland should be a symbol of the common destiny of EU member states and their neighbours. To this end, European politicians and national and European football authorities must not turn a blind eye to the undemocratic developments in the Ukraine. Sport cannot be oblivious to political developments. If Tymoshenko and other politicians remain detained, the tournament should be used as an opportunity to voice protest."
