Trial Of Ex-Ukraine Prime Minister Tymoshenko Due To Resume

The trial of Ukraine’s former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko is scheduled to resume today in Kyiv after a two-week break.

Tymoshenko, a leading figure in the opposition against President Viktor Yanukovych’s administration, has been on trial since June for alleged abuse of office over a gas deal signed with Russia in 2009.

She could face up to 10 years in jail if convicted.

Prosecuting authorities say the deal, which Tymoshenko brokered, resulted in Ukraine paying an exorbitant price for Russian gas supplies.

Tymoshenko, who denies the charge, says is she is being unfairly prosecuted by her political rivals.

The European Union and the United States have warned Ukrainian authorities against political prosecutions and have suggested that the case against Tymoshenko be dropped.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has been attempting to persuade Russia to review the controversial gas contract.

compiled from agency reports

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