The Rada law enforcement committee, while preparing draft law No. 8336 for the second reading, preserved the state monopoly to conduct forensics in top corruption cases. The appointment of such forensics will be hold exclusively through the court.

However, MPs removed a provision regarding the creation of the Unified Register of State Forensics. This is a positive decision, as such a register would only create additional opportunities for disclosure of forensics information and exertion of pressure on experts. Still, it is important to mention that Parliament’s rules of procedure allow the amendments which were rejected by the committee to be put to the vote at the plenary. This means there is still a risk that the amendment on the register might be returned. 

The draft law can be put to the vote in the second reading in coming weeks. More details. 

The only exception was Vadym Kryvokhatko, who, on the contrary, spoke in favor of suspending Semochko.

Leadership of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Foreign Intelligence Service, who participated in the hearing, claimed they saw no reasons for suspending Semochko from office. More details.

In the meantime, bihus.info journalists - who conducted investigation regarding Semochko - celebrated 5th anniversary of their program on October 17 with the other activists near the President's Administration, urging for Poroshenko's as Chief Commander's reaction to the revealed facts.