Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and her defense attorney Serhiy Vlasenko have filed a second motion to require Judge Rodion Kireyev to recuse himself from hearing the case.
According to the Tymosheko’s official website, Yulia Tymshenko’s lawyer pointed out that Judge Kireyev is considering the defense’s petitions in violation of procedures outlined in the criminal procedure code. The previous decisions were approved by resolution rather than court ruling.
"The judge is taking actions that are not aimed at fully and fairly reviewing the case. I am forced to again ask that Judge Kireyev disqualify himself," Serhiy Vlasenko said.
"The judge is systematically biased. The judge is manipulating the law. It is these systemic actions by the judge, along with other circumstances, that I believe raise doubts about his impartiality. The judge issues resolutions instead of rulings. He announces15 minute breaks when everyone in the courtroom is sweating," said Serhiy Vlasenko.
Yulia Tymoshenko supported her lawyer’s motion. "Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Jose Manuel Pinto Teixeira, who was preset in the courtroom, said that the conditions in which the trial is taking place are inhuman. This was a statement – it wasn’t just an remark, but a judgment against you as judge because you are obliged to ensure proper conditions in the organization of the trial," she said.
"You are deliberately creating reasons not to hold the trial off-site. You are not using your right to create normal conditions. You want to continue the process in an environment where people can’t be present," said Yulia Tymoshenko.
