Much has been said about the flaws of the trial, including: the apparent political motivation of the
charges, pressed by President Yanukovych, who narr
owly defeated Ms. Tymoshenko in the 2010 presidential election; the jailing of Ms. Tymoshenko during her trial, even though she posed little risk of flight; her lack of access to defence c
ounsel; inadequate time and facilities provided for the preparation of her defence; the judg
...[+++]e further denying Ms. Tymoshenko the right to examine witnesses under the same conditions as witnesses for the prosecution; and the additional sentencing that Ms. Tymoshenko be barred from participating in political activity for a period of three years after her sentence.