Prosecution: Tymoshenko signed “economically unfavourable and unacceptable” gas deals with Russia
The Prosecutor, Lilia Frolova has finished reading the indictment in the trial against former Prime Minister and leader of the Batkivshchyna Party, Yulia Tymoshenko. Interfax – Ukraine reports that it took three hours.
Testimony will be given by Yulia Tymoshenko, the former head of Naftohaz Ukraine, former President Yushchenko, the current Prime Minister, Mykola Azarov and others.
The indictment asserts that the former Prime Minister signed “economically unfavourable and unacceptable” gas deals with the Russian side.
“In this way Tymoshenko tried to create the image of an effective leader”, the document reads.
In addition the prosecutors state that Yulia Tymoshenko, while Prime Minister, did not have the right to single-handedly issue directives for the signing of the gas deals.
“Despite this, Prime Minister Tymoshenko, exceeding her power and authority, gave Dubina the instruction to sign them”.
According to the Prosecutor, these actions fall under Article 365 § 3 of the Criminal Code (exceeding power and official authority). This can carry from 7 to 10 years imprisonment, as well as prohibition on holding certain posts or carrying out certain activities for three years.