The procedure is continuing for the extradition from Italy of the former Head of Kharkiv Regional State Administration and the leader of the Kharkiv regional branch of the Batkivschyna Party, Arsen Avakov, despite his release from custody, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has reported.
"The question of Avakov’s extradition was not considered during a court hearing on April 10, 2012. The issue concerned a change or the cancellation of the measure of restraint for him in the form of detention, which is reflected in the court ruling. Avakov’s release from custody in Italy does not stop the process of extradition at the request of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine, which is continuing in this country," the ministry’s press service said in a statement, in response to "the increased interest of the public, journalists and politicians in Avakov’s extradition."
The ministry added that in terms of its content, extradition is the procedure of the forced return of a person to another state for criminal prosecution, and that the consideration of an extradition request could last for up to two months.
"Before the Italian side takes a decision on the request of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine for Avakov’s extradition, he remains on the international wanted list of Interpol’s member countries, despite his release from custody in Italy. In addition, Avakov could be detained again if he crosses an EU border," the ministry said.
On Tuesday, March 27, reports of Avakov’s detention in Italy were confirmed. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office said that it was preparing a package of documents for Avakov’s extradition to Ukraine. In this regard, the leadership of the Batkivschyna Party sent letters to the Interpol secretary general and the Italian government with a request to take into account "the obvious political motivation" behind Avakov’s criminal prosecution, and to release him.
On March 29, the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office said that the judicial authorities in Italy had decided to place Avakov in custody for 40 days.
On January 31, charges were brought against Avakov under Part 3, Article 365 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Avakov headed Kharkiv Regional State Administration from February 2004 until February 2010. He chairs the Kharkiv regional branch of the Batkivschyna Party.
