Ukraine PM Tymoshenko detained by court

05/08/11 15:43 CET

world news

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Ukraine’s former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has been remanded in custody.

The move follows a state prosecutor’s motion accusing her of disturbing courtroom proceedings during her trial for allegedly illegally forcing state energy firm Naftogaz to sign a supply deal with Russia.

Judge Rodion Kireyev said he had ordered Tymoshenko’s detention over her “systemic violations” of court rules. He did not say how long the detention would last and adjourned the trial until Monday.

She has denied the charges and previously denounced the hearing as a “farce” saying the case is politically motivated. Western governments have also expressed concern over the trial.

Tymoshenko’s former lawyer Serhiy Vlasenko told reporters in the courtroom that the authorities are “just showing off their power”.

More about: Corruption, Politics, Ukraine, Yulia Tymoshenko

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