You're reading: Prosecutors: Lutsenko’s claim that PGO is delaying his familiarization with criminal case is untrue

A statement by former Ukrainian Interior Minister Yuriy Lutsenko that the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) of Ukraine is allegedly deliberately delaying the process of his familiarization with a criminal case opened against him does not reflect reality, the PGO's press service has reported.

"Some Internet publications posted a statement by Yuriy Lutsenko that the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine is allegedly deliberately delaying the process of his familiarization with the criminal case. After the completion of a preliminary investigation was announced on January 26 this year, the materials of the case have been provided to suspect Lutsenko for examination on working days, starting from January 31, 2011," the press service said.

"As of March 2, 2011, the accused examined 12 out of 47 volumes of the case. Today [on March 2], he familiarized with 163-sheet volume No. 12. According to the requirements of Article 218 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the accused cannot be limited in time that he needs to examine the case," the press service said.

"The Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine, in line with current legislation, has considered all petitions and statements by suspect Lutsenko, and well-grounded answers have been provided to him," reads the statement.