Ukrainian Greek Catholic Head Requests Judge to Alter Penalty Imposed on Tymoshenko

“Without an intention to influence the court decision, I would still like to draw Your attention to the fact that Y. Tymoshenko is one of the leading state and political figures of the modern Ukraine and, therefore, the use of such a severe measure  with respect to her provokes considerable social tension and sharpening of the existing divides,” wrote the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), Patriarch Sviatoslav (Shevchuk) in his letter to Judge R. Kirieiev.

According to the Information Department of UGCC, Patriarch Sviaroslav addressed the judge to express concern of a considerable part of the faithful with regard to the arrest of Yulia Tymoshenko.

According to the hierarch, the arrest of Yulia Tymoshenko creates a negative international image of Ukraine as a state with partial justice.

“”We are asking You to change the preventive measure taken with respect to her for one which does not imply custody,” wrote the Patriarch of UGCC.

He also wished Judge Kirieiev “God’s help in establishing the truth and justice which is one for all the citizens of Ukraine.”