Kyiv's Pechersky District Court has permitted Ukrainian prosecutors to conduct a special investigation (in absentia) against former Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov, the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine has reported.

"The court has given the thumbs up to the special investigation," the Prosecutor General's Office told Interfax-Ukraine, recalling that Azarov is suspected of misappropriation and embezzlement of property.