His Beatitude Sviatoslav requests Judge Rodion Kireiev to alter penalty imposed on Julia Tymoshenko

“Without an intention to influence the court decision, I do want 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 divisions,” - wrote the Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), His Beatitude Sviatoslav (Shevchuk) in his letter to Judge R. Kirieiev. The letter was written to express concern of a considerable number of faithful with regard to the arrest of Yulia Tymoshenko. According to the UGCC Primate, the arrest of Yulia Tymoshenko creates a negative international image of Ukraine as a state with partial justice. “We ask You to change the preventive measure taken with respect to her for one which does not imply custody,” - wrote the Head of the UGCC. He also wished Judge Kirieiev “God’s help in establishing the truth and justice which is one for all the citizens of Ukraine.”

UGCC Information Department