Ukraine holds talks with Belarus regarding Inna Kardash's exchange
Today in Kyiv, the appeal of Belarusian journalist Inna Kardash was considered, filed regarding her arrest on suspicion of espionage for Belarusian special services. After her detention, the Shevchenkivskyi District Court of Kyiv arrested Kardash, but the woman's defense wanted her released. The publication "Suspilne" reported the details of the court hearing.
During the court session. Photo: "Suspilne"
Kardash's lawyer, Kateryna Yusupova, filed an appeal, emphasizing that her client is married, has an apartment, and does not intend to flee. Yusupova also noted that the documents submitted by the investigation do not prove the commission of a crime, and that Kardash explained the essence of her contacts and communications, which are attributed to her as espionage.
Kardash participated in the hearing via video link from the pre-trial detention center; she was poorly audible. The woman said that she does not intend to flee and has no visas in her passport to leave the country.
At the same time, the prosecutor insisted on her detention, citing wiretap recordings and expert analyses confirming the transfer of secret documents to handlers. He noted that Kardash has no permanent ties in Ukraine: she was dismissed from the HUR (Main Directorate of Intelligence), has no children, and only has a husband whom, according to investigation materials, she also tried to recruit.
Earlier, the Security Service of Ukraine published a video where Kardash allegedly tried to recruit a man, but his identity could not be accurately determined. According to media reports, this person may be a volunteer whom she tried to involve in cooperation.
The prosecutor also reported that "measures are currently being taken regarding her [Kardash's — Ed.] exchange with the Belarusian side," but there is no specific information about Belarus's consent to this, and the communication process is ongoing.
After hearing the parties, the panel of judges rejected the defense's appeal and left Kardash in custody. During the break, Kardash refused to give comments to the press via video link.
As a result, the journalist accused of espionage remains in pre-trial detention.
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