A Ukrainian court has postponed a hearing planned for July 10 in the tax-evasion trial of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.
The court in the eastern city of Kharkiv said Tymoshenko was unable to attend the hearing because of poor health, and rescheduled the trial to resume on July 23.
Tymoshenko, who is already serving a seven-year prison term on separate abuse of office charges, is currently undergoing medical treatment for a back ailment.
Before the delay ruling, hundreds of people -- described as both Tymoshenko supporters and opponents -- gathered at the court building in Kharkiv.
Tymoshenko rejects all charges against her as politically motivated.
Her case has soured Ukraine's ties with the United States and European Union and prompted some EU politicians to boycott last month's Euro 2012 matches hosted by Ukraine.
The court in the eastern city of Kharkiv said Tymoshenko was unable to attend the hearing because of poor health, and rescheduled the trial to resume on July 23.
Tymoshenko, who is already serving a seven-year prison term on separate abuse of office charges, is currently undergoing medical treatment for a back ailment.
Before the delay ruling, hundreds of people -- described as both Tymoshenko supporters and opponents -- gathered at the court building in Kharkiv.
Tymoshenko rejects all charges against her as politically motivated.
Her case has soured Ukraine's ties with the United States and European Union and prompted some EU politicians to boycott last month's Euro 2012 matches hosted by Ukraine.
