3 October 2011
Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko will have to wait for a verdict after her case was adjourned by the judge until October 11 for deliberations. She faces a seven-year prison term for her role in negotiating gas contracts with Russia in 2009 that the current government views as unfavorable for Ukraine. Officials have come under considerable international pressure to drop the case against Tymoshenko and allow her to compete in upcoming parliamentary elections in 2012. European Union officials have said the trial could adversely impact ratification of an Association Agreement with Ukraine, which both sides plan to sign in December. Newspaper Zerkalo Nedeli reported last week that President Viktor Yanukovych registered a bill in parliament that would decriminalize certain economic crimes; the Associated Press quoted Parliament Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn on Friday suggesting the bills could be considered this week.