Investigation Into Kardash Case Completed in Ukraine – Svaboda

The investigation into the case of journalist Ina Kardash has been completed in Ukraine. She was detained at the beginning of the year on suspicion of spying for Belarusian special services.

According to Radio Svaboda, citing informed sources, investigators have transferred the indictment to the court. After reviewing it for compliance with legal requirements, the court is expected to begin substantive hearings in the case.

The legal qualification of the charges has not been changed. Kardash is accused under Part 1 of Article 114 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code (“Transfer or collection by foreigners of information constituting a state secret for the purpose of transferring it to a foreign state, foreign organization or their representatives”).

Kardash’s lawyer Katsiaryna Yusupova acknowledged that the court has already scheduled a hearing date, but said she could not disclose even that information without her client’s consent.

Radio Svaboda also reports that at the end of May, Kardash’s husband petitioned the court to lift the seizure of $2,150 that she had with her at the time of her detention. He submitted evidence showing that the money belonged to him. The court ruled in favor of Kardash’s husband. He had also filed complaints with the court over investigators’ refusal to allow him to meet with his wife.