You're reading: SBU waiting for Italy’s decision regarding Melnychenko

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is waiting for a court ruling regarding the possible extradition of second Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma's ex-bodyguard, Major Mykola Melnychenko, according to the SBU press service. 

“We cannot influence Italian justice. We are waiting for a court ruling,” the press service told Interfax-Ukraine on Monday.

SBU reiterated that in September 2011 Melnychenko was put on the wanted list. He was accused of divulging state secrets, the forgery of documents, and abuse of power. Shevchenkivsky District Court of Kyiv ruled to arrest Melnychenko, as he broke his recognisance not to leave the country and evaded the investigatory process.

The press service saud that due to the fact that the location of the accused was unknown for a long time, the pre-trial investigation was suspended.

As reported, Melnychenko was detained in Italy on August 3. On August 6, a court of Naples postponed a hearing on the issue of extradition of Melnychenko due to the fact that he asked not to extradite him. The Justice Ministry of Italy will decide on the issue within ten days. If Melnychenko is extradited, the court will continue hearings.