Ukrainian court refuses to set Tymoshenko free

[August 08, 2011]  KIEV, Ukraine (AP) -- A Ukrainian court has rejected lawyers' request to free former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko on parole during her abuse of office trial.

Tymoshenko was arrested Friday for contempt of court. She is on trial for abusing her powers in signing a natural gas deal with Russia in 2009 that prosecutors claim was disadvantageous to Ukraine.

Tymoshenko has criticized the trial as an attempt by President Viktor Yanukovych to bar her from future elections. She has refused to rise when addressing the court, as required, and routinely insulted the judge.

The judge on Monday turned down two defense appeals for Tymoshenko's release as hundreds of her supporters protested outside.

The U.S. and EU have condemned cases against Tymoshenko as selective justice.

[Associated Press]

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