MP Bezan Denounces Ukraine for Attack on Democracy

Ottawa, March 19, 2013 - In a statement in the House of Commons, James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake denounced the Ukrainian government for [supporting a Ukrainian court] decision to strip Serhiy Vlasenko of his seat in Parliament. Vlasenko was removed from Ukraine’s Parliament for offering legal counsel to imprisoned former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. He has also been banned from travelling outside Ukraine. The decision has been denounced by the United States, European Union and Canada.  

Ukraine’s High Administrative Court stripped Vlasenko of his parliamentary privileges at the request of House Speaker Volodymyr Rybak, an ally of President Viktor Yanukovych.  

“Make no mistake,” said James Bezan. “This biased court ruling was made under pressure from President Yanukovych who wants to crush the Opposition and deprive Tymoshenko of a legal defence and due process.”

Vlasenko is now part of a growing list of Ukrainian politicians who have been persecuted by the Yanukovych government in recent years. “This latest show trial is part of a series of politically motivated attacks against Tymoshenko and the Opposition,” said Bezan. “Human rights, democracy and freedom continue to erode for all Ukrainians.”  

Bezan was recently in Ukraine acting as an election observer and offered some words of encouragement for the people of Ukraine. “Our friends in Ukraine must realize that the path to prosperity lies in promoting the values of freedom and democracy, and respecting the rule of law and human rights – not hindering them.” He concluded his statement in the House with: “In Ukraine and around the world, democratic voices know that our government is an unwavering ally in the defence of freedom, democracy and human rights.”

During a recent visit to Ukraine, Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Minister, the Hon. Jason Kenney, met with senior government officials, senior opposition leaders and non-governmental organizations. Min. Kenney raised the Canadian government’s ongoing concerns with the weakening of Ukraine’s justice system, one where opposition leaders are imprisoned for what appear to be politically motivated reasons. He referred to this specifically as “selective justice.” Min. Kenney also assures that the government will continue to raise these concerns as one of its diplomatic priorities with Ukraine. (NP)