Vienna: Austrian government officials would boycott Euro 2012 games which are to be played in Ukraine in order to protest the way Ukrainian former prime minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, was treated in prison lately, said Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger.
“The decision is our sign of solidarity with her,” he said.
EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said he would not go to the country during the June 8–July 1 European football championships unless there would be improvement in human rights situation in Ukraine.
Tymoshenko is serving a seven-year jail sentence in a case the West has called politically motivated, and she is on a hunger strike to protest alleged abuse in a Ukraine prison.
In the Netherlands, party leaders representing a majority in Dutch parliament said the country’s politicians and members of the royal house should not go Ukraine during the championship unless security situation improved.
However, Dutch Sports Minister Edith Schippers said on Wednesday that no decision had been made.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription