Fact Check: "The Swiss Federal Supreme Court rejected three appeals to release funds linked to former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on July 27, 2024."
What We Know
On July 27, 2024, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court upheld the decision to block the release of funds associated with former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. This ruling came after the Federal Administrative Court had previously dismissed appeals related to the account freezes. The court confirmed that the measures were in accordance with laws regulating illicitly acquired assets of foreign Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and noted that the Ukrainian authorities were not currently able to meet the requirements for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters regarding the cases under review (Swissinfo, MENAFN, Bluewin).
The funds in question are part of a broader effort by Switzerland to prevent the withdrawal of assets linked to individuals with political connections to Yanukovych, which have been frozen since 2022 and 2023 (Swissinfo, MENAFN). The Federal Supreme Court's ruling indicates that the legal framework for these asset freezes remains intact, reflecting Switzerland's commitment to combating corruption and illicit financial flows (Swissinfo).
Analysis
The claim that the Swiss Federal Supreme Court rejected three appeals on July 27, 2024, is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The rulings were reported by reputable news outlets, including Swissinfo and MENAFN, which provide detailed accounts of the court's decision and the legal context surrounding the asset freezes. Both sources confirm that the appeals were dismissed due to the inability of Ukrainian authorities to fulfill the necessary legal requirements for asset release.
The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established reputation in reporting on international legal matters and financial regulations. Swissinfo, for instance, is known for its comprehensive coverage of Swiss affairs and has a dedicated team for fact-checking and editorial oversight. Similarly, MENAFN is a recognized news aggregator that provides timely updates on global financial and legal developments.
However, it is important to note that while the sources are credible, they may have varying degrees of editorial focus. For example, Swissinfo emphasizes the implications of the ruling within the context of Switzerland's broader foreign policy and anti-corruption efforts, while MENAFN provides a more straightforward report of the court's decision.
Conclusion
The claim that "The Swiss Federal Supreme Court rejected three appeals to release funds linked to former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on July 27, 2024," is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that the court upheld the asset freezes and dismissed the appeals, aligning with Switzerland's legal framework regarding politically exposed persons and illicit assets.
