Judge Rodion Kireyev of the Pechersk District Court has ordered that statements given by Yulia Tymoshenko during the pre-trial investigation be read aloud, despite her desire to testify in court, according to the Official web site of Yulia Tymoshenko.
“I have never and am not refusing to provide evidence in this case. I ask that you give me time after addressing the petitions related to calling witnesses and experts, adding evidence to the case, because all these documents are necessary for me to testify in this case. I categorically deny the presiding judge’s statements. I never refused to testify,” Yulia Tymoshenko said today when the judge insisted that she testify immediately.
“The court is again inviting you to testify in this case,” Judge Kireyev repeated.
Despite attempts by Yulia Tymoshenko to convince the judge that she needs at least two days to prepare to testify given the daily court sessions and inability to prepare, the judge announced his decision. “The defendant is refusing to testify in this case; therefore the court orders to announce the evidence given by Yulia Tymoshenko during the pre-trial investigation,” he said.
“You have taken away my right to testify in this case,” said the ex-premier.
The judge has begun reading testimony given by Yulia Tymoshenko during the pre-trial investigation.
