14:51 07.03.2013

Kuzhel: Scherban had no conflicts with Tymoshenko, special services could have killed him

2 min read

A witness for defense on the criminal case on the murder of Ukrainian parliamentarian Yevhen Scherban, Batkivschyna parliamentary faction MP Oleksandra Kuzhel, stated that there were no conflicts between Scherban, who co-owned the Industrial Union of Donbas (ISD) Corporation, and former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who led the United Energy Systems (UESU) Corporation.

As reported, Scherban was shot dead in 1996.

During questioning in court on Thursday, Kuzhel spoke of the reaction of the Scherban-led parliamentary faction to the report of his death, as she was a member of the faction at that time.

"Our faction said that it was a political crime. We talked about the political aspect, as Scherban had come to the big political arena for the first time," she said.

According to Kuzhel, only the special services could have organized the murder of Scherban and "the names of Tymoshenko or [former Ukrainian Prime Minister Pavlo] Lazarenko were never mentioned [in the case]. To find out who ordered the murder of Scherban one should check who got [his money]. Because Scherban was a very rich person and his children inherited unprofitable banks," Kuzhel said.

She added that "Scherban did not have any problems in Donetsk region for sure. He was more into politics."

Kuzhel also said that Scherban promised to show her documents for the parliamentary commission on the results of a survey and analysis of the energy market, but never did, and explained that this could pose threat to her life. According to Kuzhel, the documents mentioned the Itera Company.

"Yevhen never paid attention to Tymoshenko, she did not exist for him. We never saw her and never mentioned her name," the witness said.

Asked why the Prosecutor General's Office today suspects Tymoshenko of having organized the murder of Scherban, Kuzhel said: "Everything is absolutely clear for me today… I understand what is going on in the country… I really wish the victims were protected, but I also know that it is the president's agony."

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