<p>Kiev's Pechyorsky District Court sentenced Tymoshenko Tuesday to seven years in prison for abuse of office over her signing of a gas deal with Russia in 2009.<br /><br />"The secretary-general has noted the concerns voiced widely regarding the judicial proceedings involving the former Ukrainian prime minister and other officials," said Vannina Maestracci, associate spokesperson for the secretary-general.<br /><br />"And the secretary-general expects the judicial proceedings, currently still ongoing, to be conducted in a fair and impartial manner and to follow due process," she added.<br /><br />Tymoshenko’s conviction raised international concerns, including from Russia and the US and, according to experts, might ruin Ukraine’s hopes for associate EU membership.</p>
<p>Kiev's Pechyorsky District Court sentenced Tymoshenko Tuesday to seven years in prison for abuse of office over her signing of a gas deal with Russia in 2009.<br /><br />"The secretary-general has noted the concerns voiced widely regarding the judicial proceedings involving the former Ukrainian prime minister and other officials," said Vannina Maestracci, associate spokesperson for the secretary-general.<br /><br />"And the secretary-general expects the judicial proceedings, currently still ongoing, to be conducted in a fair and impartial manner and to follow due process," she added.<br /><br />Tymoshenko’s conviction raised international concerns, including from Russia and the US and, according to experts, might ruin Ukraine’s hopes for associate EU membership.</p>