Ukrainian MP Expelled from Parliament Following Final Bribery Conviction

Anatoliy Hunko Removed from Parliament

According to Главком: Ukrainian lawmaker Anatoliy Hunko has been formally expelled from the Verkhovna Rada, the nation's parliament, after his conviction on corruption charges became final. The announcement was made by MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak. Hunko was found guilty of incitement to bribery and fraud, resulting in a seven-year prison sentence and the confiscation of all his property. Under parliamentary procedure, the full court verdict is first sent to the Rada, after which the Speaker issues an order, and the deputy's card is moved to the list of former members. This expulsion is part of Ukraine's ongoing judicial and political reforms following Russia's full-scale invasion.

Following Hunko's removal, the number of deputies in the Rada now stands at 393. He was a member of the parliamentary group "Restoration of Ukraine," which was primarily formed from members of the banned Opposition Platform - For Life party. That party was outlawed in 2022. Hunko, along with an aide and an accomplice, solicited and received a bribe totaling $221,000, with an initial payment of $85,000.

Court Proceedings and Consequences

On August 9, 2023, the court ordered Hunko to be held in a pre-trial detention center until October 7, with the possibility of release on bail. The following day, David Arakhamia, head of the Servant of the People faction, announced Hunko's expulsion from the parliamentary group. On March 25, the High Anti-Corruption Court convicted Hunko of incitement to bribery and fraud, also barring him from holding any public office or state service position for three years.

'MP Hunko has now been officially expelled from Parliament as the court verdict has taken legal force,' stated Yaroslav Zhelezniak.

Anatoliy Hunko's expulsion underscores the efforts of Ukrainian authorities, particularly the specialized anti-corruption courts, to combat graft within the political system. This decision reflects shifts in Ukraine's political landscape, where parties linked to corruption scandals face significant repercussions. Such cases are closely watched as they impact public trust in political institutions and increase demands for greater transparency and accountability in governance.