Kyiv's Pechersky District Court has found no reason to change the measure of restraint against former Interior Minister Yuriy Lutsenko, leaving him under arrest, despite the issuing of a PACE resolution that demands Lutsenko's release.
At a court session on Monday, the ex-minister’s lawyers filed a motion to change the measure of restraint for their client due to the worsening of his health, and they also referred to the PACE resolution calling on the Ukrainian authorities to release former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and Lutsenko.
However, the court rejected the defense team’s arguments and found no reason to change the measure of restraint against Lutsenko.
"There have been no reports about any deterioration in the health of Lutsenko… The court’s inclination to perform certain actions [meaning the PACE resolution] is unacceptable," reads the court ruling.
The court hearing is currently continuing, and the case materials are being read out.
Lutsenko asked the court to choose another measure of restraint for him in view of the PACE resolution on Ukraine. He also said that he did not believe that the court would change the measure of restraint, but expressed hope that this would happen.
The ex-minister also drew the attention of the court to the fact that Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has said that he is ready to fulfill the recommendations of the PACE.
The former minister was arrested and taken into custody on Dec. 26, 2010. He is currently being held in a jail in Kyiv.
On Dec. 29, 2010, the ex-minister was charged with being involved in the case of the poisoning of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yuschenko.
Another criminal case was opened and charges brought against Lutsenko under part 3, Article 364 of the Criminal Code – abuse of power or office.
Moreover, Lutsenko has been accused of misspending money during the celebration of Police Day in the Palace of Ukraine.
All three cases have been united into one court case.
