Tymoshenko trial adjourns until September 27

Judge Rodion Kireyev announced the trial of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko would adjourn until September 27 in order to allow the defendant more time to prepare her defense, according to media reports. The trial completed hearing of witness testimony last week and entered into the final judicial debate phase, in which each side presents its case. Tymoshenko was jailed on August 5 for contempt of court. She is on trial for negotiating gas contracts with Russia in 2009 that the current government views as unfavorable for Ukraine. Brad Wells: The break in the trial is a big surprise, considering Tymoshenko and her lawyers have made constant requests for additional time, to call further witnesses or present evidence – all of which have been denied. The trial, which is widely derided as politically motivated against an opponent whose policy decision is inconvenient to the current government, seemed like it was headed quickly and straight to a guilty verdict. We view the pause as potentially signaling a shift with a lighter or suspended sentence now more likely in the face of recent international condemnation – President Viktor Yanukovych has been under immense pressure from all sides – the EU, US and Russia – to release Tymoshenko.