Yukos case stalled as judge resigns - reports

An appeal by Russian oil firm Yukos against a $3

An appeal by Russian oil firm Yukos against a $3.4 billion tax bill went into recess today after the judge hearing the case resigned, Russian news agencies reported.

Interfax and Prime Tass agencies said Judge Olga Mikhailova said she considered media reports of the trial as an attempt to apply pressure on the court.

Proceedings were halted as court authorities reviewed the decision, and the hearing looked set to be postponed.

The demand, which relates to the 2000 financial year, has already come into force. Yukos said last week it would begin paying $1.3 billion towards the charge but that a freeze on its bank accounts would hamper it from paying any more.

Its appeal against the bill was already postponed once last month, when tax authorities successfully removed the only judge who had ruled in Yukos's favour.

The company produces one-fifth of Russia's oil and has warned investors a combined tax bill of almost $7 billion for 2000 and 2001 could drive it bankrupt by the end of this year.

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