The HACC once again postponed the hearing of the case of MP Kuzminykh: a free lawyer was appointed

The HACC once again postponed the hearing of the case of MP Kuzminykh: a free lawyer was appointed

A panel of judges from the High Anti-Corruption Court once again postponed the hearing in the case of Member of Parliament from the Servant of the People party, Serhiy Kuzminykh, due to the absence of his defence attorney.

Today, the defence attorney did not appear in court, sending a motion to adjourn instead. Overall, 9 hearings were supposed to take place this year, 4 of which were postponed due to the absence of Kuzminykh’s attorney.

Because of this, the SAP prosecutor requested to appoint a free defence attorney for Kuzminykh. The MP was against it but noted that if this motion were granted, he would like the new attorney to familiarize themselves with the materials.

Ultimately, HACC judges Olha Salandyak, Oksana Oliynyk, and Kateryna Shyroka decided to postpone the hearing, appoint a free lawyer for Kuzminykh, and ensure their continuous participation in the process, regardless of whether the attorney chosen by Kuzminykh continues to work.

According to the prosecution’s version, the "servant of the people" Kuzminykh allegedly promised to facilitate the signing of contracts between private companies and a hospital in Zhytomyr region for 558 thousand UAH.

The statute of limitations in this case expires in less than two years. If the MP or his attorney continues to delay the proceedings, there is a risk that the case will not be considered in both the first and appellate courts.

As a result, the MP may be released from criminal liability, even if the first-instance court finds him guilty.