Head of SAPO predicts duration of investigation and trial in Tymoshenko case

This was stated in an interview with Ukrinform by the head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, Oleksandr Klymenko.

When asked whether the investigation could be completed within five months, for example, Klymenko replied:

"I think it will take less time. This case is quite straightforward. We have sent a large number of similar cases of giving or receiving bribes to court, so both detectives and prosecutors have experience in such cases, and there will be no delays on our part."

"Everything will depend on how quickly we can conduct the planned examinations. We always emphasize that for a specific category of cases under investigation by NABU, an independent expert institution needs to be created. We have recorded a large number of cases where third parties interfered in the examination process. There have been cases of delays, sabotage, information leaks, and pressure on experts," he added.

When asked how long the Tymoshenko case could be considered in court, the head of the SAP noted that a similar case involving People's Deputy Odarchenko was heard in the first instance for a year, and after three months, prosecutors went to the second instance and had a decision from the Appeals Chamber of the VAKS.

“It all depends on the behavior of the defense and how often the court will schedule hearings. If everything goes smoothly, the trial could take place much faster because, I repeat, this is not a complex category of cases,” Klymenko said.

As reported, on January 14 of this year, the SAPO and NABU announced that they suspected Yuliia Tymoshenko, the leader of the Batkivshchyna parliamentary faction, of offering illegal benefits to members of parliament. The High Anti-Corruption Court chose a preventive measure in the form of bail in the amount of UAH 33 million.

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