President of the La Ligue du Droit International des Femmes, Annie Sugier, says the conviction of Yulia Tymoshenko is evidence of a regime that is trying to remove an opponent using non-political methods, according to Official web site of Yulia Tymoshenko.
"What kind of regime is this that in order to get rid of an opponent sentences her to seven years in prison for "abuse of power" because while she was prime minister she signed favorable gas contracts with Russia in 2009? What kind of regime is this that doesn’t seem to worry about the reaction of the European Union, that has always acted cautiously in such situations, but is now saying that the former prime minister must be given the right to a fair appeal, which was not the case during the first trial," wrote Ukrainian Week, quoting an article by Annie Sugier in Le Nouvel Observateur.
The French human rights advocate notes that according to the opinion of the most objective observers, Yulia Tymoshenko was an effective prime minister. "She stopped many illegal arrangements in the energy sector. And under her leadership revenues from industry and electricity rose sharply in Ukraine," she explained.
"Some people wonder why we’re so concerned about the fate of one woman, Yulia Tymoshenko, instead of focusing on other priorities such as the effects of the economic and financial crises or revolutions in the Arab world. I believe we have to fight on all fronts simultaneously. After all, women’s rights are strengthened by the example of fighters such as Yulia Tymoshenko. Her fate depends on each of each, on the vigilance of European citizens," she believes.
The French human rights advocate hopes that the Ukrainian authorities will respond to the recommendations of European countries. "We all understand that despite the alleged indifference to international opinion, the Ukrainian regime pays attention to our messages, petitions and requests for meetings," she said.
Annie Sugier also urged EU citizens to support the petition launched by French writer and philosopher Daniel Salvatore Schiffer demanding Yulia Tymoshenko’s immediate release.
