The Pechersk District Court of Kyiv on Monday, May 4, has ruled to remand former president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych in custody in the case of the usurpation of power.
The judge has satisfied the prosecutors' motion, handing down the ruling in absentia.
The Criminal Procedural Code of Ukraine allows judges applying "in absentia" measures if a suspect has been put on the international wanted list.
Yanukovych's defense team insisted that their client take part in the relevant court hearing via video link through the international legal assistance protocol with Russia – the country where the fugitive president has been hiding from Ukraine's law enforcement since 2014.
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The latest ruling means that, once Yanukovych is apprehended, the court within 48 hours shall select a prevention measure – custody remand or else.
Another case is pending in the Pechersk court where Viktor Yanukovych is suspect.
The trial is into the events during the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine on February 18-20, 2014.
