Tymoshenko Appeal Hearing Postponed For Third Time

Ukrainian ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko

Ukraine's high court has postponed hearing jailed ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko's appeal against her conviction and prison sentence for the third time.

On July 12, the court in Kyiv granted a prosecution request for a postponement, citing the need for a new assessment of Tymoshenko's health, and rescheduled the case for August 16.

Tymoshenko is being treated for back trouble in a state-run hospital and did not attend the hearing.

Tymoshenko is serving a seven-year prison term on abuse of office charges in connection with a Russian energy deal dating back to her time as prime minister.

She has also been charged in a separate tax evasion case.

Tymoshenko's supporters say the cases against her are politically motivated by her enemies, and the U.S. and EU have condemned her prosecution.

Based on reporting by AFP and Interfax