Today's appeal court ruling gives Lutsenko added strength

The Higher Specialised Appeal Court today ordered Yuriy Lutsenko remain in prison to serve the remainder of his term.

Yet again Ukraine's ruling authorities turned down the opportunity to indicate they were prepared to make compromises to European leaders demands he be freed, because in their opinion, his persecution is politically motivated.

Lutsenko was denied the right to make a final address to the court.

Yanukovych has publicly stated that once all legal process is exhausted, as president, he would review the Lutsenko case again. Some [wildly optimistic?] observers consider Yanukovych could even release Lutsenko as a test...if reaction in society is muted, then maybe...maybe.. Tymoshenko could be deported to Germany for treatment.

The European Court of Human Rights can now examine his case in detail. Few doubt they will eventually rule in his favour.

The actions of Yanukovych and his henchmen thus far expose their great fear of Lutsenko, which paradoxically gives him added impetus to continue. Even if he serves his full term in prison and is released at the end of 2014, he will remain a major player in Ukrainian politics. Of the current bunch of   opposition leaders, it seems Klychko is the one who contacts Lutsenko most frequently for advice on political strategy....