Ukraine: Former PM Tymoshenko spared detention

Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko yesterday survived an attempt by prosecutors to have her jailed during her trial.

Judge Rodion Kireyev rejected the prosecutors' motion, although he warned Ms Tymoshenko that she risks punishment if she continues to disrupt the court as it hears abuse of - office charges against her.

Ms Tymoshenko, the country's top opposition leader, has criticised the trial as an attempt by President Viktor Yanukovych to bar her from elections. She has refused to stand up while addressing the judge and her supporters have been disruptive.Even though the judge sided with her, Ms Tymoshenko continued to question his objectivity.

"Clearly, Kireyev is not the director [of the trial] and somewhere deep down in his soul he maybe innocent," she tweeted from the courtroom.