Court upholds preventive measure imposed on Zelenskyy's former top aide Yermak

Oleksandr Shumilin, Volodymyr Fomichov - 21 May, 16:42

Andrii Yermak. Photo: Ukrainska Pravda

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

Source: livestream from the courtroom

Details: The court therefore 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. He also declined to answer directly 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 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 illustrative. Everyone is equal before the law. And it is very important for me to defend my rights through the justice system and through our legislation."

Background:

On 14 May, the High Anti-Corruption Court remanded Yermak in custody as a pre-trial restriction with the possibility of release on bail set at UAH 140 million (about US$3.2 million). He is charged with laundering of UAH 460 million (around US$10.5 million) during the construction of the high-end Dynastiia ("Dynasty") 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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