Ukrainian ruling party suspends Odarchenko’s membership
Ukraine’s ruling Servant of the People
political party has suspended the membership of Andriy
Odarchenko MP, after he was detained for attempted bribery, RFE/RL reported
on Nov. 23, citing the party’s press service.
The decision was reportedly made by the leader of the party's parliamentary faction, David Arakhamia.
“This is a standard procedure we apply in such cases,” said a party spokesperson.
“The final decision regarding him [Odarchenko] will be made based on the investigation results. However, we want to emphasize once again that, as in previous cases, no one will be shielded [from responsibility]. Political responsibility has already occurred. The next steps are up to the anti-corruption authorities," said a party spokesperson.
On Nov. 21, Odarchenko was charged with attempting to bribe Mustafa Nayyem, the head of Ukraine's State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development. According to the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), Nayyem cooperated with the investigation.
According to the prosecution, the MP sent $10,000 worth of bitcoin to the official's cryptocurrency wallet. In return, he allegedly expected the agency to allocate funds for the restoration of the Kharkiv State Biotechnology University, which he formerly headed and continues to influence.
The charge carries a potential sentence of five to ten years' imprisonment.
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