You're reading: Irish Times: The trial of Yulia Tymoshenko on hold

The trial of Ukraine’s former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko was abruptly put on hold for two weeks yesterday after the United States and the European Union expressed fresh concern to President Viktor Yanukovich over her prosecution.

Ms Tymoshenko (50), a leading opposition figure, has been on trial since June for abuse of office over a gas deal signed with Russia in 2009.

The Yanukovich administration says the deal left Ukraine paying an exorbitant price for Russian gas supplies. Ms Tymoshenko who, denies the charge, says her trial is a political vendetta.
The US and EU members have largely taken her part. Some EU members say the trial could block an agreement on closer ties and easier trade with the former Soviet republic.

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

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