KIEV, Sept. 29 - Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko on Thursday denounced her trial over alleged abuse of office as a "political lynching,” while European leaders urged Ukraine to observe the rules of democracy.

Prosecutors have asked for Tymoshenko to be jailed for seven years over a 2009 gas deal with Russia. She has been held in custody for contempt of court since August 5.

In an emotional closing statement, Tymoshenko criticized President Viktor Yanukovych and said authorities had "falsified this entire affair," BBC reported.

"This trial is a classic case of political lynching," said Tymoshenko in a fiery four-hour speech, according to a BBC report. "No document has ever proved any guilt. They (the authorities) have falsified this entire affair.”

She added: "The president of Ukraine considers me a dangerous political opponent - and rightly so. I will devote my life to making sure that Ukraine becomes free."

Meanwhile, Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg said the EU needs a clear signal about the rule-of-law in Ukraine to complete the talks on its further rapprochement.

"Ukraine must send a signal that it will observe the fundamental rules of democracy, which is also the protection of the opposition," CTK reported citing Schwarzenberg.

The EU is currently negotiating with Ukraine about the association agreement, which is considered a pre-stage to a candidate country.

Otherwise Ukraine will have a problem even with the best possible results in other areas, Schwarzenberg said.
Some EU member states want to freeze the talks with Ukraine over the trial of Tymoshenko.

The West criticises the trial, saying it serves Yanukovych to settle an old score with the opposition.

The Eastern Partnership programme to enhance EU cooperation with six post-Soviet republics, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, was launched in Prague in the spring of 2009 during the Czech Republic´s EU presidency.

Tymoshenko is accused by prosecutors of forcing Naftogaz Ukrayiny to sign a controversial 2009 natural gas deal with Russia that had led to economic losses.

Referring to the gas deal, Tymoshenko said: "I acted legally, effectively, in a correct manner of state. If the circumstances were the same today, I would act in the same way."

Tymoshenko said she was addressing the Ukrainian people, not the court, and witnesses said she almost turned her back on the judge.

Both the US and EU have voiced concern over the legitimacy of the trial.

They have reportedly put pressure on Ukraine to release her and let her compete in elections next year.
Tymoshenko's trial appearances have been characterized by crowds of supporters on the streets outside the Kiev court.

Some commentators say the trial is a public relations disaster for Yanukovych, drawing criticism from the West and resurrecting Tymoshenko as a political force.
The court is due to reconvene on Friday. (nr/bbc/ez)