Former Economy Minister Bohdan Danylyshyn said the granting of political asylum to him in the Czech Republic is proof that political persecution exists in Ukraine.
"Criminal cases are launched against former officials while criminal cases against those who are now in power are being closed,” noted the ex-minister, who came under criminal investigation by President Viktor Yanukovych’s hand-picked chief prosecutor, Viktor Pshonka.
In an interview with the Kyiv Post, Danylyshyn expressed confidence that democracy will eventually triumph in Ukraine. He said he will remain loyal to former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko’s party. “I won’t stop cooperating with the Batkivshchyna Party,” he said.
On Jan. 14, Danylyshym was released from jail, a day after the Czech Interior Ministry granted him political asylum.
Danylyshyn served as economy minister under Tymoshenko, who left office on March 4. He is alleged to have abused his official powers, incurring Hr 14 million in losses to the state during a tender for building a parking lot for Terminal D of Kyiv Boryspil Airport. Only one company bid for the contract.
Danylyshyn is also accused of illegal purchases of fuel for the army in 2008. In August 2009, law enforcement authorities asked Interpol for an international arrest warrant. The Czech police on Oct. 20 arrested Danylyshyn.
