Ukraine denies prison guards beat Tymoshenko

KIEV – Ukraine on Friday dismissed as untrue allegations that prison guards had beaten jailed opposition politician Yulia Tymoshenko, claims which have alarmed Western politicians who consider her a political prisoner.

Tymoshenko, a for mer prime minister and opponent of President Viktor Yanukovich, said last week prison guards had beaten her during a forced visit to a hospital.

Her supporters circulated photographs showing bruises on her arms and abdomen.

Her allegations revived an outcry in the West over her plight, which some European politicians say reflects a decline in democratic standards in the former Soviet republic since Yanukovich came to power in February 2010.

The European Union, partner in Ukraine’s declared drive to European integration, has condemned Tymoshenko’s conviction on abuse-of-office charges last October as an example of selective justice.

It has shelved l andmark deals on political association and free trade with Ukraine over the issue.

Some European politicians have cancelled plans to visit Ukraine on May 11 for a gathering on Central European issues in the southern resort of Yalta.

Leaders are threatening to boycott the ceremonial opening of next month’s Euro 2012 soccer championship, a prestigious, month-long event that Ukraine is co-hosting with Poland. Tymoshenko, 51, who has been in detention since last August, declared a hunger strike in prison on April 20 in protest at being mistreated.

Ukrainian prosecutor general Viktor Pshonka said on Friday that his office had been unable to verify Tymoshenko’s claims of physical mistreatment and he refused to open a criminal inquiry.

“Following an investigation, the request to launch a criminal case has been denied,” he told reporters.