Q&A: Ukraine's Yulia Tymoshenko on trial

The former Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Tymoshenko, is on trial in the capital Kiev, facing charges of abuse of office. She has rejected the charges, saying they are politically motivated. She was remanded in custody after the trial judge ordered her arrest for contempt of court.

Who is Yulia Tymoshenko?

The former businesswoman and academic came to prominence on the world stage during Ukraine's 2004 Orange Revolution. She was one of the leaders of the successful campaign to overthrow Viktor Yanukovych, who had claimed victory in that year's disputed presidential election. Following the revolution she was appointed prime minister by President Viktor Yushchenko but was dismissed a few months later after conflicts within the coalition. She regained the premiership in 2007 but political squabbling with Mr Yushchenko continued. She was dwhich outside observers generally deemed to be fair, and was forced out of office shortly afterwards.

What charges did she face originally?

She was  over gas imports signed with Russia. Investigators say a 10-year contract signed in January 2009 was ruinous for the Ukrainian economy and that Ms Tymoshenko did not have cabinet approval to sign. She has denied the charges and has said the accusations are politically motivated. The charges are not the first to be brought against the former prime minister. In December 2010, she was  for the sale of carbon credits. As a result of the charges, she was placed under travel restrictions.

Why was she put in custody?

On 5 August,accusing her of repeated violation of court rules, including impeding proceedings. She had reportedly refused to stand up while addressing the judge and questioned his objectivity during the trial. One of her lawyers, Sergei Vlasenko, described her detention as "unprecedented and illegal". The prosecution had accused Ms Tymoshenko of failing to take the trial seriously and mocking the judge and witnesses - who have included current Prime Minister Mykola Azarov. She has also sent tweets from inside the courtroom.

Is this a show trial?

Ms Tymoshenko and her supporters have repeatedly said that the trial is politically motivated. She says the proceedings are an attempt by President Yanukovych to bar her from future elections. The US and EU have criticised the charges, saying they constitute selective prosecution of political opponents. However the Ukrainian government insists it is not interfering with the legal system.

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