27 September 2011
The trial of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko is set to resume today after a two-week break to allow the defendant more time to prepare her defense. The trial completed hearing of witness testimony before the break and should enter the final judicial debate phase, in which each side presents its case. Tymoshenko was jailed on August 5 for contempt of court and faces up to 10 years in jail if convicted. She is on trial for negotiating gas contracts with Russia in 2009 that the current government views as unfavorable for Ukraine. Ukrainian 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.