Court Lifts Freeze on Yulia Timoshenko's Property
An appeals panel of Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court has ordered the release of a portion of the assets belonging to former Prime Minister Yulia Timoshenko and her husband, Oleksandr. The ruling lifts the freeze on three automobiles, two garages, and $6,300 in cash. However, the seizure of funds in the Timoshenkos' bank accounts remains in force.
NABU Investigation Underway
This court decision stems from an ongoing investigation by Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). According to authorities, on January 13 of this year, NABU and prosecutors from the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) reported documenting alleged illegal activity involving offers of monetary rewards to members of parliament for voting a certain way. As part of this probe, searches were conducted on January 14 at the party office of the 'Batkivshchyna' (Fatherland) political party, where Yulia Timoshenko was present.
Timoshenko has been formally notified of suspicion in the case, and the High Anti-Corruption Court has denied her permission to travel outside Ukraine. During the searches, investigators claim Timoshenko made a statement, which was recorded:
'we pay ten for two sessions, we pay an advance for two sessions' - Yulia Timoshenko
She also reportedly expressed a desire to 'bring down this 'majority'' and issued instructions, all of which were captured on video by investigators.
This ruling marks a significant development in a high-profile investigation into alleged corruption within the Ukrainian parliament. The unfreezing of some property could influence the course of the probe, though the continued freeze on bank accounts underscores the gravity of the charges. The case against Timoshenko, a major political figure with deep connections in Ukrainian politics, continues to draw intense public and media scrutiny, as its outcome could have substantial political repercussions.