Court upholds pre-trial restriction imposed on Zelenskyy's former top aide Yermak

The Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court has upheld the pre-trial restriction imposed on Andrii Yermak, former head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

Source: livestream from the courtroom

Details: The court dismissed the appeal filed by Yermak's lawyers. During the hearing, Yermak answered several questions from journalists. In particular, he said that he is acquainted with businessman Tymur Mindich. But he declined to give a direct answer when asked whether President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had contacted him after 11 May, when Yermak was served with a notice of suspicion.

Quote: "The president is the supreme commander-in-chief. I think he has far more important matters to deal with. And I think the most important thing that the president ensures, as the guarantor of the Constitution, is that justice functions. As I said at the beginning of this process, my case is highly revealing. Everyone is equal before the law. And it's very important to me that it's through the justice system, through our legislation, that I am defending my rights."

Details: Commenting on the Appeals Chamber's decision, Yermak said he will continue to study the case materials and, "if possible", will carry on with his work travelling to the front line and helping soldiers. "I will continue my legal practice," he said.

Background:

• On 14 May, the High Anti-Corruption Court remanded Yermak in custody as a pre-trial restriction and set bail at UAH 140 million (about US$3.2 million). Yermak is accused of laundering UAH 460 million (around US$10.5 million) through the construction of a high-end housing complex in Kozyn, near Kyiv.
• On the morning of 18 May, Yermak was released from pre-trial detention after bail was paid on his behalf.

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