Tymoshenko Denied Medical Treatment Outside Prison

Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko

KYIV -- Ukrainian officials say jailed ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has been denied medical treatment outside prison, as recommended by doctors.

Her supporters said on March 15 that Tymoshenko had refused to undergo medical treatment offered by prison doctors.

Tymoshenko's daughter, Eugenia, has told the media that the former prime minister has a spinal hernia and suffers from constant and intense pain.

German doctors, who examined Tymoshenko earlier this month, have concluded that she urgently needs a complex treatment in a specialized facility in observance of international standards.

Tymoshenko is serving a seven-year prison sentence on charges of abuse of office. Her supporters say the charges are politically motivated.

With reporting AP and Ria Novosti