Young Fine Gael’s Colm Lauder, who serves as Deputy Secretary General of Europe’s largest political youth organisation, the Youth of the European People’s Party, has condemned the verdict and sentencing delivered against former Ukrainian Prime Minister and European People’s Party member, Ms. Yulia Tymoshenko, this morning in Kyiv.

“During an official visit to Kyiv in September of this year, I attended Ms. Tymoshenko’s trial. The hearings I witnessed were a farce, rife with intimidation and bully tactics. Today’s verdict was always a given considering the sentiment both on the streets and in court.

“This politically weighted verdict delivered against the pro-European former Prime Minister is a step backwards for Ukraine’s future European aspirations. I find it unacceptable that the current Yanukovych regime is criminalising the sovereign political decisions of a previous government. The Tymoschenko trial has been a proof of this endeavour.

“Under the Presidency of Victor Yanukovych, Ukraine has failed to sustain its democratic development and the rights associated with it, namely freedom of speech. Today’s verdict is an outright attack on the right to democratic participation in the country. I believe that under these circumstances, Ireland should lobby the European Union to not sign the planned Trade and Association Agreement with Ukraine.

“This is a sad day for all Ukrainians who strive for their country to stand up to its true democratic credentials.”

ENDS