A court in the United Kingdom has denied Ukraine's request to extradite MP Artem Dmytruk. The Westminster Magistrates' Court in London made the decision, citing the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights.
As reported by lawyers from the law firm Amsterdam & Partners, which represents Dmytruk's interests, the court applied Article 8 of the Convention. It guarantees the right to respect for private and family life. The judges concluded that the transfer of the deputy to the Ukrainian side could lead to a violation of these rights.
In Ukraine, Artem Dmytruk is suspected of involvement in violent incidents, including the beating of a military serviceman and a police officer. Due to these accusations, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have initiated the procedure for his extradition.
The MP himself has previously claimed that he was allegedly tortured by Ukrainian security service officers at the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. These allegations, his defense said, were also taken into account during the trial in the UK.
The decision of the Westminster Magistrates' Court is not final. The Ukrainian side has the right to appeal against it. This is allowed within 14 days.
The further fate of the extradition request will depend on whether Ukraine exercises its right to appeal and what decision the appeals court will make.
