Serhiy Vlasenko's Address in the Verkhovna Rada
Speaking from the parliamentary rostrum, lawmaker Serhiy Vlasenko criticized the anti-corruption authorities for spreading false information and failing to comply with the Criminal Procedure Code and rulings of the European Court of Human Rights. He specifically accused the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) of making misleading statements about Yulia Tymoshenko, the leader of the Batkivshchyna party. Vlasenko noted that while NABU claims Tymoshenko has not reviewed the case materials, such review can only occur based on copies provided to defense lawyers—which, he argued, have not been properly supplied.
Vlasenko also pointed out that NABU accused Tymoshenko of ignoring the court after searches were conducted without a judge’s warrant. He stressed that Tymoshenko was neither summoned to a court hearing nor informed that one was taking place. Her legal team has no access to the original audio recording of a conversation, which Vlasenko called a major violation of defense rights. International experts who analyzed fragments of the recording have reportedly found signs of tampering, raising serious doubts about the validity of the forensic examination.
Concerns Over NABU's Operations
According to Vlasenko, the audio file was examined by staff at the Kharkiv-based Bokarius Institute, commissioned by NABU and using Russian software linked to a company that services the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB).
Vlasenko emphasized: 'Are they really so afraid of this fabricated recording being handed over to the defense? Where is the equality in proceedings when the investigation can conduct forensic tests, but the defense cannot?'
He outlined the defense's demands, which he described as entirely reasonable: 'We are simply asking for the law to be followed, for full access to all materials—including the original recording—and for an independent international forensic examination by a trusted institution.' These statements underscore serious issues concerning both the legality of the anti-corruption agencies' actions and the protection of defense rights.
The controversy surrounding NABU points to possible systemic flaws in Ukraine's anti-corruption framework. Vlasenko highlights concerns about procedural transparency and the safeguarding of defense rights, which could significantly impact public trust in anti-corruption bodies. The issues raised during his speech may trigger further investigations and legislative changes aimed at improving the work of these agencies and ensuring human rights protections in judicial processes.
Vlasenko's accusations come amid growing scrutiny of NABU's practices, particularly regarding the treatment of key evidence in high-profile cases. This situation mirrors recent findings by international bodies, which have raised alarms over procedural violations in the Tymoshenko case. To gain further insight into these developments and understand the implications for anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine, read more about the violations highlighted by PACE.