EU tells Ukraine to give Tymoschenko a fair trial

The European Union on Wednesday urged Ukraine to give former prime minister Yulia Tymoschenko a fair trial amid fears it is politically motivated.

On Tuesday, Ukraine’s state prosecutor called for Tymoschenko to be jailed for seven years on charges of abusing her power whilst in office. She is now a member of the opposition.

Maja Kocijancic, a spokesperson for EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton said: “We wish again to underline to the Ukrainian authorities the need for respect for the rule of law incorporating fair, impartial and independent legal process.”

She also pointed to “the danger of provoking any perception that judicial measures are used selectively.

“We stress the importance of insuring the maximum transparency of investigations, prosecutions and trials.”

Tymoschenko is accused of abusing her position when a gas deal was signed with Russia in 2009. The current Ukrainian government says she paid over the odds for that contract.

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