16 November 2011
Ukraine’s parliament yesterday amended legislation on economic crimes, but left intact articles used to sentence former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko to a seven-year jail term on October 11. Brad Wells: With these amendments, we believe the government is putting on a show of sorts – this is the second time now parliament has changed the laws relating to economic crimes since Tymoshenko was arrested back in August. At the same time, it has refused to consider several proposed bills that would have exonerated Tymoshenko. It is clear the ruling Party of Regions has no intention of freeing Tymoshenko. Several new investigations have since been opened against her, most of which have dubious legal standing, even by Ukrainian standards. Like Russia did with Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the government is making an example out of Tymoshenko. As a result, we expect political consolidation around the Party of Regions to continue over the next year, with the opposition unable to overcome widespread voter apathy to rock the boat and other potential critics preferring to stay silent over fear of possible repercussions.