Ukrainians protest PM's jail sentence

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Riot police and civilians engage in a shoving match outside a Ukrainian court as the former prime minister is sentenced to prison.  About 2000 supporters of former PM Yulia Tymoshenko as well as her detractors gathered for the verdict.  Tymoshenko received seven years in prison Tuesday when the court ruled she exceeded her powers by pushing a gas deal with Russia in 2009.  The opposition leader stood in the middle of her sentencing to denounce President Victor Yanukovich's regime.  (SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) FORMER UKRAINIAN PRIME MINISTER STANDING UP AND SAYING, WHILE JUDGE IS READING VERDICT:  "Dear friends, I just would like to note that with this decision and all repressions against Ukrainian citizens, the year of 1937 has returned to Ukraine. Everybody needs to be strong today. I call on all the people of good will, on all patriots of Ukraine to defend Ukraine from authoritarian rule, (CUTS TO JUDGE READING VERDICT) from lack of freedom, from falsehood, (TYMOSHENKO ADDRESSING PEOPLE IN COURT) from injustice."  Yanukovich edged Tymoshenko out in last year's presidential election.  The three-month trial has prompted EU warnings that jailing her would jeopardize economic relations with Ukraine.  Lindsey Parietti, Reuters

Ukrainians protest PM's jail sentence official