Ukraine court upholds Tymoshenko verdict

ROUGH CUT - NOR REPORTER NARRATION A Ukrainian high court on Wednesday rejected an appeal by former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko against her conviction for abuse of office for which she is serving a seven-year prison sentence. Tymoshenko was convicted last year on charges that stemmed from a 2009 gas contract she signed with Russia while prime minister. Tymoshenko's supporters gathered outside of the Kiev courthouse where the decision was read, chanting "Freedom to Yulia!" and "Down with the gang!" In the lengthy decision, judges of the court said they reached the conclusion that the appeal "cannot be satisfied". The European Union and the United States say Tymoshenko's prosecution was politically motivated by President Viktor Yanukovich's leadership and have called for her to be released.