The Standing Committee and the Bureau of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe recognized that there are no political prisoners in Ukraine, Party of Regions MP, PACE Vice President, Chairman of the Permanent Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Ivan Popesku stated, ForUm learned from the Party of Regions press office.
"Neither the Standing Committee nor the Bureau of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe recognized the existence of political prisoners in Ukraine," the MP stated. "We can only speak about politicians in prison, and this is completely different thing," he specified.
"Of course, for all their misdeeds politicians bear political responsibility in the first place. But when their actions are criminal, nothing can free them from criminal liability," the MP added.
Ivan Popescu also expressed surprise by the fact that some European politicians called the Ukrainian justice as selective. "Former Minister of Ecology in the government of Tymoshenko Georgiy Filipchuk was arrested, but soon after reading the case materials was released on bail. Former Minister of Regional Development and Construction Vasyliy Kuibida won a court and is at liberty now. Why then is Europe talking about selective justice?" he argued.
"In addition, Europe requires Ukraine to introduce changes to the 364th and 365th Articles of the Criminal Code. We applied to the Ministry of Justice and received the analysis of the legislation of more than 30 countries-members of the Council of Europe, where there are relevant articles in a particular formulation. In addition, during the Leonid Kuchma presidency, PACE drew the attention of Ukraine that if it amends the Constitution in unconstitutional manner, the country can face sanctions. Therefore, all amendments to existing legislation the MPs are to introduce only in strict accordance to the letter of the law. We have no right to violate the order," Ivan Popescu summed up.
"Neither the Standing Committee nor the Bureau of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe recognized the existence of political prisoners in Ukraine," the MP stated. "We can only speak about politicians in prison, and this is completely different thing," he specified.
"Of course, for all their misdeeds politicians bear political responsibility in the first place. But when their actions are criminal, nothing can free them from criminal liability," the MP added.
Ivan Popescu also expressed surprise by the fact that some European politicians called the Ukrainian justice as selective. "Former Minister of Ecology in the government of Tymoshenko Georgiy Filipchuk was arrested, but soon after reading the case materials was released on bail. Former Minister of Regional Development and Construction Vasyliy Kuibida won a court and is at liberty now. Why then is Europe talking about selective justice?" he argued.
"In addition, Europe requires Ukraine to introduce changes to the 364th and 365th Articles of the Criminal Code. We applied to the Ministry of Justice and received the analysis of the legislation of more than 30 countries-members of the Council of Europe, where there are relevant articles in a particular formulation. In addition, during the Leonid Kuchma presidency, PACE drew the attention of Ukraine that if it amends the Constitution in unconstitutional manner, the country can face sanctions. Therefore, all amendments to existing legislation the MPs are to introduce only in strict accordance to the letter of the law. We have no right to violate the order," Ivan Popescu summed up.
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