The helicopter pilot was allegedly involved in the killing of two Russian journalists in 2014
Nadia Savchenko, a helicopter pilot, was taken into custody back in 2014, after being abducted by pro-Russian separatist rebels, as per the Ukrainian government. However, the Russian government has another story to tell and claims that Ms. Savchenko crossed the border between the estranged nations illegally, posing as refugee. Ms. Savchenko was accused of deliberately pointing mortar shells from a volunteer Ukrainian battalion at two Russian journalists in June 2014. The pilot has consistently denied these claims and will continue to do so even in her final speech.
The speech is expected to be highly indignant and politically charged, given the political basis of the case itself. But the defending lawyers have made it clear that a ‘guilty’ verdict is in store unless Kiev manages to cut a deal with Moscow. As the scales are heavily tipped in favour of the prosecution, they are hoping for a 23-year long prison sentence and are assured that they have managed to prove the defendant guilty ‘beyond doubt’ during the five-month trial that is coming to an end in the Donetsk court.
The prosecutors blames Savchenko as a spotter targetting the artillery fire at the journalists because of her ‘hatred’ for all Russians. The defence argued that Ms.Savchenko had already been captured by pro-Russian forces by then and was innocent. Amidst this crossfire of supposed facts during the trial, Ms. Nadia Savchenko had clearly called the prosecutors liars repeatedly and oftentimes declaring ‘Glory to Ukraine’ and to her family and supporters present in court. Ms. Savchenko also adorned traditional Ukrainian outfits in her court appearances as an act of defiance.
Although Ms. Nadia has become a household name in Ukraine, a symbol of anti- Russia resistance, this trial has once again brought forth the endless tensions between Ukraine and pro-Russia rebels, despite the peace deal that was adopted.
Source: BBC
Tags: Ukrainian
