Consideration of Reni mayor's appeal in bribery case suspended

The Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court has temporarily suspended the trial of Reni Mayor Ihor Plekhov, who was previously sentenced to nine years in prison for bribery. The reason was the deterioration of the accused's health.

This was reported by Slovo and Dilo.

According to media reports, the court made the decision on November 10. Plekhov 's defense lawyer filed a motion to suspend the appeal hearing, arguing that her client could not personally participate in the hearings due to illness. The panel of judges agreed and ruled to suspend the proceedings until the defendant's health improves.

The court also ordered Plekhov to report any changes in his health that would allow the trial to continue, and the prosecutor to monitor compliance with this decision.

As a reminder, in April 2024, the High Anti-Corruption Court found the mayor of Reni guilty of receiving an undue benefit. According to the investigation, the accused acted together with city council member Ivan Poydolov, who headed the Standing Committee on Land Issues. The officials are accused of extorting $100,000 in bribes from a local businessman for leasing him a land plot of about 2.5 hectares. They allegedly received half of this amount, $50,000.

After reviewing the case, the HACC sentenced the official to nine years in prison with confiscation of property. The mayor of Reni and his defense lawyers filed an appeal, but its consideration has now been postponed indefinitely.

The Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court began considering the appeal filed by the defenders of Mayor Reni in late May. The lawyers are asking to cancel the HACC verdict and acquit the mayor, as well as to re-examine the circumstances of the case and verify the evidence. In addition, the defense asks to cancel the partial seizure of the defendant's property.

As a reminder, on April 17, the High Anti-Corruption Court announced the verdict against Plekhov and city council member Ivan Poydolov for taking a $50,000 bribe. The court found them guilty under part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The official himself told Intent that he intends to appeal the decision.

Анна Бальчінос