Tymoshenko’s Ukraine tax evasion trial is delayed
A picture taken on April 25, 2012, shows jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko showing what she called a bruise on her stomach in the Kachanivska penitentiary colony for women in Kharkiv, where the former Ukrainian Prime Minister is currently held.
The trial of Ukraine's former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko on tax evasion charges has been delayed until late May.
Tymoshenko refuses to attend the trial for health reasons. She alleges she has been beaten while serving a seven-year jail sentence for abuse of office, the BBC reported.
The presiding judge said it would be impossible to hold the trial in her absence.
In the last few days, photos have emerged that show Tymoshenko displaying what appear to be bruises on her stomach and arm, CNN reported.
She said three men punched her in the stomach, but authorities have denied the allegation.
Her lawyer said Tymoshenko has been on hunger strike since last Friday in protest of her treatment by prison officials, reported Reuters.
The first trial was condemned by Western governments as politically motivated.
More from GlobalPost: Tymoshenko, Ukraine's jailed ex-PM, 'on hunger strike'
Last October, a court found Tymoshenko guilty of abusing her authority for signing overpriced gas contracts with Russia, according to CNN.
Amnesty International called the verdict "politically motivated."
Her current jail sentence came after she was found guilty of alleged tax evasion during that period. She denies any wrongdoing and accuses President Viktor Yanukovych, a political rival, of seeking revenge.
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