Tymoshenko reported quite ill

[1HappyGuy 45]

KHARKIV, Ukraine (Reuters) - Jailed Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko's trial for tax evasion was adjourned again on Friday as her defense counsel warned that her declining health had slumped to a "critical" level.

The former prime minister, the main opponent of President Viktor Yanukovich, was sentenced to seven years in prison in October 2011 on abuse-of-office charges.

But hospital treatment for back trouble has meant a second trial for alleged tax evasion and embezzlement - which she and West governments also denounce as politically motivated - has been repeatedly adjourned.

When the court announced another adjournment on Friday until February 12, a group of her supporters called out: "Shame on the torturers!"

On January 8, the 52-year-old politician announced she was launching a disobedience campaign in protest at measures such as the installation of video cameras in her hospital quarters. She has refused to return to her hospital bed and has been sleeping in a chair in the hospital corridor, her supporters say.

At an emotional press conference, her defense counsel, Serhiy Vlasenko, said: "Yulia Tymoshenko's health condition is sharply worsening."

Visibly upset by his visit to the hospital to see her, Vlasenko said he had found her lying in the shower room in her quarters.

"When I entered, I thought she had died. For two minutes, she couldn't recognize me. I had to call for the head doctor. I am not an expert, but in my opinion the situation is critical," he said.

Tymoshenko denies any wrongdoing and says she is being persecuted by Yanukovich in revenge for her role in the 2004 "Orange Revolution" protests which derailed his first bid for presidency.

She lost a run-off for the presidency against Yanukovich in February 2010 and subsequently she was tried for abuse-of-office over a gas deal she brokered with Russia in 2009 when she was prime minister. The new tax evasion and embezzlement charges date back to the 1990s when she ran a major gas trading company.

The European Union has supported Tymoshenko, calling her case an example of selective justice, and shelved agreements on free trade and political association with Ukraine over the issue.

(Writing By Richard Balmforth; Editing by Rosalind Russell)

It seems that Yanukovich will not be satisfied until he has destroyed all of his opposition, no matter who or how.

[Martyshk 137]

And yet, who gives a sh!t? To quote an old movie: "Вор должен сидеть в тюрьме" ©

[slim 1,530]

I guess we'll never see the Palin/Tymoshenko mud wrestling match for world domination.

In all seriousness, I talk with my wife about politics and the way things work here compared to over there and she's constantly telling me about how America is sliding toward Soviet-style policies. "If you not will be agree whis Obama, then he gonna just kill you."

[Tanya and Barry 59]

And yet, who gives a sh!t? To quote an old movie: "Вор должен сидеть в тюрьме" ©

To quote my wife "No one can help her. She is finished."

Where's Rocky?

[james&olya 1,121]

I guess we'll never see the Palin/Tymoshenko mud wrestling match for world domination.

In all seriousness, I talk with my wife about politics and the way things work here compared to over there and she's constantly telling me about how America is sliding toward Soviet-style policies. "If you not will be agree whis Obama, then he gonna just kill you."

Does she really believe this or just wishful thinking?

[Darnell 8,479]

I always liked her. When she took power, it was a huge media event. HUGE.

[Martyshk 137]

I always liked her. When she took power, it was a huge media event. HUGE.

Yeah, just like Palin was a huge media event, HUGE!

No one cares what it does to people though...

[USSR 1]

Woe to you if you happen to be an attractive female politician. The ugly ones have a much easier time of it.

Don

[james&olya 1,121]

Woe to you if you happen to be an attractive female politician. The ugly ones have a much easier time of it.

Don

You think Palin would have ever gotten any of her 'success' as a politician and wannabe pundit if she were ugly?!

[USSR 1]

You think Palin would have ever gotten any of her 'success' as a politician and wannabe pundit if she were ugly?!

All you have to do is look at the women in the Democrat party for your answer. Almost all of them were severely beaten with the ugly stick.

Don

[james&olya 1,121]

All you have to do is look at the women in the Democrat party for your answer. Almost all of them were severely beaten with the ugly stick.

Don

Yeah, just disgusting how those libruls prefer brains to beauty in their politicians!

[USSR 1]

Yeah, just disgusting how those libruls prefer brains to beauty in their politicians!

Sorry to hear that you believe a woman can only be beautiful or intelligent, but not both. So, which is your wife?

Don

[james&olya 1,121]

Sorry to hear that you believe a woman can only be beautiful or intelligent, but not both. So, which is your wife?

Don

When did I say that?! In politicians I prefer brains to beauty! Olga has both! And much too intelligent to consider a career in politics!