Will remain in pre-trial detention without the possibility of bail: in Kyiv, the court rejected Shufrich’s appeal against detention

Today, in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, the Kiev Court of Appeals considered the appeal of Member of Parliament Nestor Shufrych against the decision of the Pechersk Court to detain him. Ultimately, the court rejected the MP’s request.

Journalists inside the courtroom reported on the proceedings.

The court session was open to the public, and Shufrych was allowed to sit with his lawyers.

During the hearing, Shufrych delivered a speech in which he denied any wrongdoing regarding the allegations of state treason. He called on the court to grant the requests made by his lawyers, allowing him to communicate with his family online, fulfill his duties as a Member of Parliament, and resume communication with Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. Shufrych became emotional during his speech, expressing how his detention has prevented him from staying in touch with his family.

After his speech, Shufrych was escorted away from his lawyers, and the judges entered into a deliberation room.

While the judges deliberated, Shufrych commented on the proceedings, stating that the case against him was politically motivated.

“I hope to have the opportunity to communicate with my family and colleagues in the Verkhovna Rada,” the MP said.

In the end, the Kiev Court of Appeals did not grant Shufrych’s request to change the pre-trial detention measures. He will remain in custody without the possibility of posting bail until November 15.

It’s worth recalling that on September 15, Shufrych was informed of suspicions of state treason. On the same day, the Pechersk Court of Kiev ordered that he be held in detention without the option of posting bail. Additionally, a search was conducted at Shufrych’s residence.

Shufrych is suspected of systematically promoting narratives aligned with the Kremlin’s view that the Ukrainian state is an artificial creation, Ukraine and Russia share a common history, and Ukrainians and Russians are one people. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) believes that Shufrych was attempting to foster pro-Russian sentiments in Ukrainian society through these actions. Shufrych denies these allegations and considers them to be baseless.

A few days after his arrest, a second search was conducted at Shufrych’s home. Shufrych’s lawyer claimed that this search took place without a court order and was intended to remove valuable items, artwork, and antiques from his house.