“Circus, booth and tent!” – Yanukovych’s lawyer about the trial of the ex-president
Lawyers for ex-President Viktor Yanukovych left the court hearing of their client with a scandal after the judge refused the newly appointed public defender’s request to familiarize himself with the case materials, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
The public defender was appointed after lawyers defending Yanukovych walked out of court after the judge refused to allow them to question their witnesses. Appearing in court, the public defender asked the court to give him the opportunity to familiarize himself with the case materials so that he could participate in the debate, but Judge Devyatko refused, citing the fact that the debate had already been announced.
“All your rights are realized, you know the composition of the court, because it was indicated in the documents. You will be given enough time to familiarize yourself with the case materials,” said Judge Devyatko.
“I'm very grateful for that. But the court is obliged to give time to familiarize itself with the case materials before the hearing. Now I do not have the moral and legal right to take part in the trial, because I am not familiar with the case, with the indictment, and cannot give remarks,” said state lawyer Viktor Ovsyannikov.
After this, lawyers, including the state one, demanded that the reading of the case be stopped.
“I have a motion to postpone the hearing until I get acquainted,” said the lawyer.
“I don’t understand the essence of the dispute, I explained everything quite thoroughly,” Devyatko told him.
“I don’t want to be a Chinese dummy and just nod! I don't even have an indictment! I don't understand what my client is accused of! I ask you to make an audio disc with the testimony of witnesses. Ignoring my demands indicates a violation of the laws and rights of my client! Why did you appoint a free lawyer if you don’t give me the opportunity to participate in the case?!” Ovsyannikov shouted.
Since the court did not respond to their demands, the lawyers left the courtroom. The judge announced a break so that the Center for Free Legal Aid could appoint a new lawyer.
“Circus, booth and tent!” “This is how lawyer Viktor Ovsyannikov described the course of the trial in a conversation with journalists outside the courthouse.
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