A law firm representing former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych says he is suing the government in Kyiv for "repeatedly" violating his human rights.

London-based Joseph Hage Aaronson said in a statement on October 19 that Yanukovych has lodged a lawsuit with the European Court of Human Rights.

His lawyers said Yanukovych has suffered "discriminatory treatment due to his political status and opinions."

Yanukovych fled to Russia in February 2014 after months of protests against his rule and is currently residing in Russia, though his exact whereabouts are unknown.

In August, a court in Kyiv began trying Yanukovych in absentia for his alleged role in the deaths of antigovernment protesters. Other charges against him include corruption and embezzlement.

His lawyer said Yanukovych cannot return to Ukraine because of security risks.

Based on reporting by AP and TASS