Yanukovych agrees to testify in Berkut inquiry despite being declared treason suspect
KYIV. Nov 28 (Interfax) - Ukraine's former president Viktor Yanukovych has not refused to testify in the case against former officers from the 'Berkut' police special-forces unit despite the text read out at a hearing in the Sviatoshynsky district court in Kyiv regarding the suspicion that he committed treason.
After the prosecutor read out the text of the suspicion, the court's presiding judge Serhiy Diachuk said: "At this stage, the court, having cautioned and ensured the witness' right to protection, has obtained information, in view of which we notify you, Viktor Fedorovych, that despite your desire to testify in court [...] considering the facts, made known by the prosecutor, pursuant to Article 63 of the Ukrainian Constitution, you have the right at any time to refuse to give evidence in this inquiry and to answer questions, and this right is guaranteed to you by the Constitution, and you will not be held responsible for that refusal."
The judge asked Yanukovych if he wanted to give evidence despite the present circumstances, to which the ex-president replied: "Absolutely, I have expressed my initiative voluntarily."
