Ukrainian High Court Postpones Tymoshenko Appeal

Supporters of Yulia Tymoshenko at a protest tent camp in central Kyiv on June 25

A Ukrainian court in Kyiv has postponed until July 12 former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko’s appeal against her seven-year jail sentence.

Judge Stanislav Mishchenko of the High Specialized Court on Civil and Criminal Cases granted a prosecutor's request for a medical examination of Tymoshenko to determine if she is fit to attend hearings.

Tymoshenko did not attend the June 26 court session because of health problems.

The judge's ruling means the next hearing will take place after Ukraine completes co-hosting the Euro 2012 football championship with Poland.

The prosecution of Tymoshenko has prompted some European Union politicians to boycott Euro 2012 matches in Ukraine.

Tymoshenko was sentenced in October to seven years for abuse of office.

Tymoshenko denies any wrongdoing. Her supporters say the case is politically motivated.

Based on reporting by Interfax and Reuters