New Tymoshenko trial delayed for fifth time

A new trial against jailed former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko was delayed for the fifth time yesterday by a Kharkiv city district court judge until July 31. The judge ruled again that Tymoshenko cannot be tried in absentia; she has been unable to attend the proceedings due to health issues. Charges in this pending case were filed by Ukraine’s Security Service in February over the alleged embezzlement of USD 406 mln in state funds by United Energy Systems of Ukraine, a gas trading company headed by Tymoshenko in 1995-1997. She is currently serving a seven-year jail sentence in a Kharkiv penal colony for her role in negotiating a gas supply contract with Russia in 2009; an appeal in that case is due to be considered on August 31.

Brad Wells: The hearing’s postponement is in line with our expectations (see our news of July 11). We believe it is likely we will see another delay or two until Tymoshenko’s health improves.