The Security Service of Ukraine has repeatedly summoned for questioning as witnesses in the “coal case” in which People’s Deputy Viktor Medvedchuk and the fifth President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko appear, ex-Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov, former Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksandr Turchynov, head political council of the party “People’s Front” Arseniy Yatsenyuk.
“The SBU summons Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Oleksandr Turchynov, Arsen Avakov and Maxim Timchenko for interrogation in the so-called” coal case. They pass as witnesses and are called for the purpose of a comprehensive, complete and impartial study of the circumstances of the criminal proceedings,” SBU spokesman Artem Dekhtyarenko told Interfax-Ukraine.
He noted that these witnesses had been summoned for questioning on May 19, but did not appear. “They will be called again. This time on May 30,” the SBU spokesman specified.
As reported, the summons for interrogations were published on the website of the SBU. In them, in particular, it appears that Avakov, Turchynov and Yatsenyuk were summoned by subpoenas for May 19.
In addition, on the same day, DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko was called in for questioning.
The Verkhovna Rada at a session on Thursday supported the resignation of Interior Minister Arsen Avakov.
Some 291 MPs voted for the corresponding decision.
As reported, Avakov on Tuesday submitted a letter of resignation from office.
Avakov headed the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine since February 27, 2014. For the first time, he was appointed to a post in the government under Arseniy Yatsenyuk (2014-2016). Later, Avakov was a member of the governments under Volodymyr Groysman (2016-2019), Oleksiy Honcharuk (2019-2020) and Denys Shmyhal (2020-2021).
Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov announced that he had submitted a letter of resignation.
“In accordance with Part 1 of Article 18 of the law of Ukraine on the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, I submitted a letter of resignation from the post of Minister of Internal Affairs. Thanks to the Interior Ministry team for the years of joint work. Thanks to every officer, private and employee. I am honored!” the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs said, citing Avakov on Tuesday.
According to a photocopy of the document posted on the ministry’s website, Avakov wrote the letter of resignation on Tuesday, July 13.
As MP Yelyzaveta Yasko (Servant of the People faction) reported on Facebook, the issue of Avakov’s resignation could be considered at the parliament on Wednesday or Thursday.
Avakov headed the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine since February 27, 2014. For the first time, he was appointed to a post in the government under Arseniy Yatsenyuk (2014-2016). Later Avakov was a member of the governments under Volodymyr Groysman (2016-2019), Oleksiy Honcharuk (2019-2020) and Denys Shmyhal (2020-2021).
