PGO calls former Ukrainian premier Azarov, his son for questioning
The Military Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine (MPGO) has called on former Prime Minister Mykola Azarov to appear for questioning in Kyiv.
A copy of the request has been posted to the MPGO's Internet site.
According to the document, Azarov is invited for questioning at 14.00 on Aug. 9 and for procedural matters in the framework of a criminal case probing the activities of an organized criminal group headed by disgraced former President Viktor Yanukovych that embezzled up to UAH 2 billion with PSJC Ukrnafta and PJSC Ukrgazvydobyvannia.
Azarov's son, Oleksiy, has also been summoned for questioning at 16.00 the same day.
Mykola Azarov said the PGO itself illegitimate.
"Following the overthrow of elected officials [in February 2014] the PGO ceased to serve as the agency responsible for law enforcement and upholding the Constitution of Ukraine. Following the arrests of Kotsaba, Hlishchensky, Aleksandrovsky, Efremov and many others, the PGO lost the moral and legal right to accuse individuals in the name of Ukraine. This is how to respond to PGO claims," Azarov wrote on his Facebook page.
Azarov headed the Ukrainian government from March 2010 until the end of January 2014. Following the Revolution of Dignity he fled Ukraine. Presently he resides in the Russian Federation.
Ukraine has put Mykola Azarov on the international wanted list on suspicion he embezzled government funds.
Azarov's son Oleksiy was elected national parliament deputy in 2012.