The London court rejected Ukraine’s request for the extradition of MP Artem Dmytruk

This was reported by the information platform Business Wire.

It is noted that the judge, citing Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, referred to the "torture of Dmytruk by the Security Service of Ukraine" in March 2022 as the reason why his extradition would disproportionately affect his right to respect for private and family life.

The alleged "persecution" of Dmytruk in Ukraine took place "in the context of his staunch support" for the UOC MP, of which he is a subdeacon, and the fact that Dmytruk was the only member of parliament who spoke out in August 2024 in the legislative chamber against bill No. 3894, which creates a legal basis for a complete ban on the UOC. For this reason, the people’s representative allegedly fled to Moldova and then to the United Kingdom in search of protection," said Robert Amsterdam, founder and managing partner of Amsterdam & Partners LLP.

According to him, Dmytruk "not only condemned the Russian invasion but also actively took up arms in March 2022, when he formed a territorial defence unit to protect his city from Russia."

"This did not stop President Zelenskyy’s administration from seeking the forced return of Mr. Dmytruk on clearly fabricated charges," the lawyer said.

Ukraine now has 14 days to announce whether it plans to appeal the ruling.

Amsterdam & Partners LLP is an international law firm with headquarters in London and Washington. According to Business Wire, it serves as an advisor to Dmytruk and the UOC (MP).

Dmytruk fled Ukraine in August 2024. Prior to this, the Office of the Prosecutor General reported suspicions against Dmytruk for assaults on a law enforcement officer in Odesa and a military serviceman in Kyiv. According to the investigation, while in Odesa, the suspect attacked a law enforcement officer and attempted to seize his weapon. The suspect also committed an assault on a military serviceman in Kyiv, causing injuries of medium severity to the soldier.

Former Prosecutor General of Ukraine Andriy Kostin stated that someone helped Dmytruk cross the border — likely officials from various agencies. Ukraine will attempt to bring the MP back voluntarily, and if unsuccessful, will declare him wanted and submit a request for extradition.

On August 29, the State Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Prosecutor General reported that Dmytruk had been placed on an international wanted list.