European Human Rights Court conducts Lutsenko hearing

The European Court for Human Rights conducted a hearing yesterday into a complaint from Yuriy Lutsenko, former interior minister (2005-2006, 2007-2010) and leading opposition politician, that his arrest and detention by Ukraine were politically motivated and illegal. After the hearing, judges retired for deliberations; a ruling is expected shortly. Lutsenko was sentenced to four years in jail in February and was banned from holding public office for three years. Lutsenko is the second highest ranking former government official (after former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko) jailed since Yanukovych came to office.

Brad Wells: Lutsenko’s case before the European Court for Human Rights has some big implications for the domestic political scene. A ruling in his favor would be an indictment against the current government’s use (or misuse) of the court system for political means and can significantly change the makeup of competition of the October parliamentary election if Lutsenko (and Tymoshenko, who was found guilty on similar charges) is released and allowed to participate.