Odesa postpones consideration of the case on the murder of Demian Hanul

On April 21, the trial in the case of the murder of public activist Demian Hanul did not reach the final stage in the Prymorskyi District Court of Odesa. Despite the willingness of the parties to start the trial, the hearing was postponed to May following a motion by the defense of the accused, Serhiy Shalaev.

This was reported by Suspilne.

During the hearing, the defense insisted on continuing to examine the evidence. Lawyer Valeriia Gaisina explained that there was a need to attach additional materials characterizing her client, which are currently in Kyiv. She also reported new circumstances that became known after the preparation for the debate.

The victim's wife , Zhanna Voznyuk, regarded such actions as an attempt to delay the process. According to her, both the family and the prosecution were fully prepared for the final stage of the trial, but on the day of the hearing, the defense unexpectedly announced new circumstances, which, in her opinion, indicated that they were not ready for the debate and led to the postponement of the trial for more than a month.

The court also considered the results of a polygraph conducted during the pre-trial investigation. The certificate states that the test did not reveal any reactions that could indicate Shalaev's deliberate cooperation with the Russian special services. The lawyer emphasized that these results are not direct evidence, but, according to her, they are consistent with the defendant's position that he was not aware of a possible connection with the Russian Federation - he believed that he was fulfilling the tasks of the SBU.

As a result, the court granted the defense's motion and provided additional time to collect the necessary materials. The judge emphasized the importance of adhering to the schedule so that the next hearings would be decisive.

The next hearing is scheduled for May 12, when the court will consider extending the measure of restraint. On May 28, the court is scheduled to complete the examination of evidence, hold debates, and possibly pass a verdict.

The day before, during the hearing, Shalaev said that the contacts of the person who introduced himself as an "SBU officer" were allegedly given to him by his own mother. The defendant claimed that he hoped that he would be transferred from the Armed Forces to the special service because of this acquaintance.

Last year, on March 14, at about 10:30 a.m. in the center of Odesa, a man made several shots at Demian Hanul. He died on the spot from his injuries.

Анна Бальчінос