25 Aug 2011 20:12

Judge Kyreyev persists in denying Tymoshenko bail

KYIV. Aug 25 (Interfax) - Kyiv's Pecherskiy District Court has again refused to change the measure of restraint for ex-Prime Minister and leader of the Batkyvshchyna Party Yulia Tymoshenko.

Judge Rodion Kyreyev, the presiding judge at the "gas trial" against Tymoshenko, rejected the 11th bail plea submitted by the defense.

Tymoshenko stands accused of abuse of office while negotiating gas contracts with Russia in 2009 and inflicting damage estimated at over 1.5 billion hryvni on the state coffers.

The gas case hearings started on June 24. Tymoshenko was arrested in the courtroom on August 5.

Gas case hearings are held almost daily, except days off and holidays.