Yermak stated in court that the construction of the building itself is not a crime
During the court hearing on the appeal filed by former Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak, he stated that “the mere fact of the construction of some residence unknown to him” does not constitute a crime. Furthermore, there is no evidence of his involvement in money laundering related to this construction project.
He made these remarks during a hearing of the Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court on May 21.
Yermak also said that he had surrendered his passports for travel abroad and is wearing an electronic ankle monitor. Additionally, he stated that he had not posted bail for himself, although he was prepared to pay approximately ten million hryvnias. According to Yermak, he did not do so because he was sent to a pretrial detention center.
At the hearing, the HACC judge also noted that attorney Oleksiy Shevchuk had expressed a desire to vouch for Yermak. The former head of the Presidential Office replied that he had heard of Shevchuk but was not acquainted with him.
As a reminder, Yermak’s lawyers are challenging the previously imposed pretrial measure for the former official. Currently, all participants in the proceedings have gathered in the courtroom to begin the hearing.
Andriy Yermak left the detention center and made his first comments
Yermak expressed respect for state institutions in court
Bail proceedings for Yermak have begun
