U.S. Government Statement Regarding the Verdict in the Yuriy Lutsenko Trial

The United States is disappointed by the verdict in the trial of former Interior Minister Yuriy Lutsenko. The politically motivated prosecution of opposition leaders, including Mr. Lutsenko and former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, raises serious concerns about the Government of Ukraine’s commitment to democracy and rule of law. We note the decision of a Ukrainian appeals court earlier this week to release former Acting Defense Minister Valeriy Ivashchenko, who had also been detained on questionable grounds, and urge the Government of Ukraine to free Mr. Lutsenko and Mrs. Tymoshenko, whom we believe should have an unrestricted ability to participate fully in political life.

see also:
• President recognizes Kuzmin’s “personal contribution”
• US urges release of Tymoshenko and Lutsenko
• Lutsenko’s appeal rejected
• Lutsenko appeal ruling likely on Thursday
• European Court of Human Rights upholds ruling against Ukraine in Lutsenko case
• Lutsenko demands medical examination outside prison
• Lutsenko loses civil suit against prison administration
• Ban on Lutsenko’s correspondence a flagrant violation of the law
• Lutsenko’s life could be in danger in prison colony
• Lutsenko sentenced to another 2 years restriction of liberty
• Still no aggrieved party, but prosecution demands 2.5 years for Lutsenko
• The Criminal Prosecution of Lutsenko and Investigative Operations
• Lutsenko trial: hearing postponed due to lack of officially aggrieved party
• Lutsenko trial: “Victim” doesn’t see himself as such and asks to be left alone
• Prosecutor General mellows latest charge against Yury Lutsenko
• Lutsenko: trial: Prosecution asks for more time to prepare “new evidence”
• Defendant in Lutsenko Trial: I’m here for refusing to testify against Lutsenko
• Lutsenko case: new hearing, same infringements
• Head of internal Lutsenko investigation: Lutsenko stupidly set up