You're reading: Tymoshenko opponents, supporters gather near court ahead of UESU hearings

KHARKIV - Ukrainian ex-prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko's supporters and opponents gathered on Tuesday, July 31, near the building of the Regional Court of Appeals, where the Unified Energy Systems of Ukraine case will be heard.

Up to 2,500 people have gathered, an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent reported, citing police.

Tymoshenko’s opponents, who call themselves “ordinary Kharkiv
residents,” are holding national flags and posters reading “Yulia go to
prison!” and “Yulia, stay with us and be our crime boss!”

Many are wearing black T-shirts with a picture of a discharged
electric battery and the inscription reading, “Yulia is run down,” and
“A thief must be in prison,” coupled with Tymoshenko’s image.

Supporters have gathered opposite the supporters’ camp and they are
holding national flags and the Batkivschyna party insignia. Activists
are wearing T-shirts with the inscription reading, “Free Yulia!” and
“Batkivschyna Above All!”

The two camps are divided by a police cordon.