A Ukrainian court has drastically reduced the bail amount for Yulia Tymoshenko, a prominent political figure, by 124 times. This decision follows Tymoshenko’s own request to review the bail conditions.
During the court hearing, Tymoshenko argued that the original bail set at 33 million UAH was “excessive and disproportionate.” The funds already paid as bail are expected to be returned to those who contributed.
Background
- Tymoshenko faces allegations of bribery related to encouraging lawmakers to vote favorably. She was notified of the charges on January 14.
- On January 16, the High Anti-Corruption Court (VAKS) imposed bail terms allowing for the 33 million UAH payment, which was completed by January 23. The court did not mandate an electronic monitoring bracelet, despite Tymoshenko’s requests not to restrict her communications with lawmakers.
- On February 16, VAKS’s appellate chamber lifted the seizure on parts of Tymoshenko’s property and that of her husband, Alexander. The court also released $6,300 that had been confiscated during a raid by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). Her lawyers have expressed concerns that such seizures could lead to the family’s financial ruin.
- This spring, NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) concluded their pre-trial investigation and forwarded the case to court.
