The defense team of former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukvoych will file an appeal to the ECHR, protesting against the decision of the Obolon district court in Kyiv. Vitaliy Serdyuk, the ex-president’s lawyer told that to the press on Thursday.
‘There are four volumes of evidence – which we wanted to provide and the court should have considered – proving that the trial in absentia, demanded by the Prosecutor General’s Office, is illegal. Right now, this opens the door and creates an opportunity for the defense team to turn to the European Court for Human Rights. The decision that the Prosecutor General’s Office insisted only aims to make Viktor Yanukovych’s part in the interrogation impossible, while other top officials of the state testify in this case. This is why we’re going to appeal in the ECHR,’ Serdyuk said.
Earlier today, the Obolon district court in Kyiv ruled that the former Ukrainian leader may face trial in absentia; he's charged with several tough crimes including state treason.