June 10, 2021
1 min read

European court cancels extension of asset freeze on ex-Ukraine Prez

When renewing the punitive measures, the bloc failed to show it had scrutinized compliance with the right to legal defence and judicial protection, the Luxembourg-based court ruled, dpa reported…reports Asian Lite News.

Fund-freezing sanctions slapped on former Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych and his son Oleksandr for alleged abuse of state funds in 2014 were renewed without due diligence, the EU General Court ruled on Wednesday, annulling the 2019 extension.

The presiding judges argued that, while it was acceptable to base sanctions on criminal proceedings in a non-EU country, the EU must show it has verified that a state’s investigation respects procedural rights, according to a press statement.

When renewing the punitive measures, the bloc failed to show it had scrutinized compliance with the right to legal defence and judicial protection, the Luxembourg-based court ruled, dpa reported.

However, both the individuals will remain sanctioned under a separate decision taken this year. These measures remain valid until March 2022, EU spokesperson Peter Stano said on Wednesday.

The measures are in place to help Ukrainian authorities recover the money in case it is confirmed it was embezzled, he added.

The European Union targeted the individuals when they fell under investigation in Ukraine in 2014 for embezzling and transferring state funds out of the country. That year, Yanukovych was ousted from office and fled to Russia.

Court of Justice headquarters

Yanukovych mounted a legal battle against the original asset freezes, but, in 2017, the European Court of Justice – the bloc’s highest court – ultimately upheld them.

The measures were subsequently renewed several times, and Yanukovych launched a fresh challenge regarding the 2019 decision.

An appeal against the General Court ruling can be brought to the ECJ within two months and 10 days.

ALSO READ-Google challenges European Commission’s $5 bn Android fine

READ MORE-European Commission quotes ABBA after May’s dances moves

Previous Story

US puts pressure on Pakistan for military base access

Next Story

Global parliamentary alliance calls on G7 for supply chains reform

Latest from -Top News

US Pauses Ukraine Military Aid

The move came amid concerns about US military stockpiles falling too low…reports Asian Lite News Following a review of US stockpiles, the Trump administration has paused certain military aid to Ukraine, confirmed

US Presses Hamas on Ceasefire Deal

The new proposal seeks to address some of Hamas’ concerns, and Israeli hostages will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during the ceasefire….reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump has

PM Modi Heads to Accra, Signals South-South Priority

The Prime Minister will then travel to Trinidad & Tobago from July 3-4, a country he said shares “deep-rooted historical, cultural and people-to-people connect” with India…reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra

White House Focus on India COMPACT

The Secretary affirmed the strength of the US-India relationship, highlighting implementation of the US-India COMPACT…reports Asian Lite News The US-India COMPACT—a comprehensive framework for bilateral cooperation—took centre stage during the meeting between

Trump Warns Musk: ‘Close Shop or Go Home’

Trump’s warning on his Truth Social platform late on Tuesday (US time) came amid the feud between him and Musk over the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’….reports Asian Lite News Former US President
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Britain to send 350 more soldiers to Poland

The government in November had sent 100 troops to Poland

NATO, UK will ‘support’ Ukraine if invaded by Russia, but won’t send troops

Truss did say it was “very unlikely” British troops would