7 October 2011
Yesterday Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, approved amendments to the Criminal Code proposed by President Viktor Yanukovych that decriminalized sections relating to economic and official misconduct, according to the Rada’s website. Importantly, none of the amended clauses relate to the charges being used against former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who is on trial for negotiating 2009 gas contracts with Russia that the current government views as unfavorable. A day earlier, the Rada rejected bills submitted by opposition politicians that would have also decriminalized sections of the code used against Tymoshenko. Last week the judge adjourned Tymoshenko’s trial until October 11. Brad Wells: Ukrainian politicians do not appear to be taking international pressure to release Tymoshenko and threats of damaged diplomatic relations seriously. The last stage of Tymoshenko’s trial wrapped last week and the judge could deliver a verdict already next Tuesday when proceedings resume. Barring another break in the case, it looks increasingly likely the court could find the former Prime Minister guilty next week; she faces a jail sentence of up to seven years.