World

Ukraine official charged over acid killing

February 12, 2019 5:16 am

Ukrainian prosecutors have charged a high-ranking local official over a deadly acid attack on a prominent anti-corruption activist.

The agony of Kateryna Handzyuk, 33, shocked Ukraine. She died from her burns in November, after more than 10 operations. She was attacked in July.

Vladyslav Manger, head of the Kherson regional council in southern Ukraine, was charged with organising murder.

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His lawyer said no evidence had been presented against his client.

Five other suspects are in detention.

Larisa Sargan, spokeswoman for Ukraine’s chief prosecutor, said Mr Manger would have to appear before a judge in Kiev on Tuesday to face a detention order.

The indictment accuses Mr Manger of ordering the murder because of “personal hostility towards her for opposing illegal logging” in the region. A guilty verdict could send him to prison for life.