Peggy Nash Demands Action on Persecution of Tymoshenko

Toronto, April 26, 2012 – New Democrat MP Peggy Nash (Parkdale-High Park) is demanding that the Canadian government take immediate action to prevent further political persecution of Yulia Tymoshenko, former Prime Minister of Ukraine. Yulia Tymoshenko is currently on a hunger strike after being beaten by guards in jail [the previous] week.

“Ms. Tymoshenko’s politically motivated persecution and mistreatment must end,” said Nash. “Those responsible for this assault must be held accountable.”

Nash has recently written Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird calling on the Canadian government to enter negotiations with Ukrainian authorities to end Tymoshenko’s hunger strike.

“I urge the Canadian government to condemn the recent acts committed against former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko,” Nash said. “Additionally, given the Canadian government’s goal to establish a Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement, provisions must be put in place that guarantee the protection of human rights, rule of law, and democracy in Ukraine.”

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MP Peggy Nash