UPDATE - Ukrainian Ex-President Yanukovych Unable To Speak In Kiev Court Due To Injury - Lawyer

KIEV (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 18th November, 2018) Former President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych will not be able to deliver the last word in court in Kiev on Monday due to hospitalization, his lawyer Oleksandr Goroshynskyi told Sputnik on Sunday.

Earlier on Sunday, Goroshynskyi confirmed that Yanukovych, who is currently in exile in Russia and accused of treason in absentia, had been hospitalized in Russia with a sports injury. His spine and leg were injured.

"He can not speak tomorrow [on Monday] in court, he lies in a hospital bed," the lawyer said.

At the same time, the lawyer said that on Monday, the defense of Yanukovych intends to petition for the questioning of the former Ukrainian Energy Minister, Eduard Stavitsky.

"At the meeting on November 19, we will consider the questioning of Eduard Stavitsky, since he gave important testimony," Goroshynskyi said.

Yanukovych will stay in hospital for about three weeks, Goroshynskyi said while aired by 112 Ukraina broadcaster.

"He is not able to move independently, he has a removable plaster cast. As the doctors say, this is a serious injury, he will be in a hospital bed for at least 21 days, two or three weeks. We will provide the relevant documents to the court," he said.

In late June 2017, a Ukrainian court began a hearing on the merits of the case of state treason against Yanukovych, one of a number of criminal cases that the new authorities of Ukraine have brought against the former president, who was overthrown in 2014 by what many considered to be a coup. The country's prosecution is seeking a life sentence for Yanukovych. The self-exiled politician has denied any wrongdoing.

Earlier, the presiding judge, Vladislav Devyatko, said that he would give Yanukovych the last opportunity to deliver the last word on November 19. According to the judge, even if the former president refuses to speak, the court will deliver a verdict.