Ukraine’s Tymoshenko faces new corruption claims

14/10/11 01:03 CET

world news

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New criminal charges have been filed against jailed former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

Security officials are alleging she was involved in a conspiracy 15 years ago to embezzle state funds through gas purchases from Russia.

The new case was announced just two days after the opposition leader was sentenced to seven years behind bars for abuse of office.

“Tymoshenko is accused that, as President of United Energy Systems of Ukraine, she joined a conspiracy with the former prime minister of Ukraine, Pavlo Lazarenko, and tried to earn money by transferring the company’s debts onto the government,” said Ivan Derevianko of Ukraine’s Security Service.

The new allegations are certain to disappoint Tymoshenko’s supporters, who have been hoping for a speedy release. Ukraine’s president had hinted that changes to legislation could see her freed.

More about: Gas, Trial, Ukraine, Yulia Tymoshenko

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