The BYT-Batkivschyna parliamentary faction has stated that former Head of Kharkiv Regional State Administration and the leader of Kharkiv regional organization of the Batkivschyna Party, Arsen Avakov, could ask Italy for political asylum.
"Today [during a court hearing on extradition of Avakov from Italy] neither Mr Avakov, nor his lawyers, or somebody else raised this issue. The issue of political asylum was not considered. I think we should settle the issue of releasing Mr Avakov from detention," Leader of the BYT-Batkivschyna faction Andriy Kozhemiakin said in an interview by phone from Italy with Channel 5 on April 10, when asked whether Avakov had asked for political asylum in the country.
"Probably Mr Avakov could address the Italian government with a request, with such a proposal [on political asylum in Italy]," Kozhemiakin stressed.
