Former ukraine PM accused of abuse of power

Appearing at a pre-trial hearing in Kiev, Yulia Tymoshenko denounced the proceedings as a "farce" and told the judge he was a "puppet" of the president.

Tymoshenko told him: "At such an important moment for Ukraine, I do not want in that chair such a judge as you. I am throwing down this challenge to you because I consider you a puppet of the presidential administration."

About a thousand supporters rallied in her defence near the court, carrying placards saying: "We will defend Ukraine ! Down with puppet courts! We are for Yulia, for Ukraine!"

The hearing was to decide whether to send YuliaTymoshenko for trial on a charge of abuse of power in connection with a gas supply agreement with Russia in January 2009 during her second term as prime minister.

The deal ended a stand-off with Russia which led to supplies being cut off both to Ukraine and parts of western Europe.

Ukraine president Viktor Yanukovich has denounced the deal as a sell-out, although Kiev is still observing it.

Outside the court, the outspoken 50-year-old politician - well known for her distinctive braided hairstyle - said: "This mock trial was organised and served up by Viktor Yanukovich.

"Nobody has any doubts that the courts and the state prosecution are in private hands and there will be no justice."

Tymoshenko rose to fame during the so-called Orange Revolution six years ago, when she and Viktor Yushchenko led protests to overthrow the results of the apparently fixed election which had brought Yanukovich to power.

Yushchenko became president but lost his position to his rival last year.