Kyiv Court Places Fundraiser for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment Under Nighttime House Arrest.

Preventive Measure for Nazariy Husakov

According to TSN.ua: Nazariy Husakov has been ordered by the Pechersk District Court in Kyiv to remain under home confinement from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. He is suspected of fraud related to collecting donations for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The court also required him to surrender his international passport.

Prosecutors had requested round-the-clock house arrest, but the judge opted for a time-restricted measure instead. Notably, Husakov has a disability, which likely factored into the court’s decision. His defense attorney stated that his health has significantly deteriorated:

“He cannot even go to the bathroom on his own. He has to be carried there. He is in no condition to appear in court. The only thing he can do is join via video link. But he is not obstructing the investigation in any way and is providing testimony.” - Husakov’s defense attorney

Thus, the court took the suspect’s health condition into account when deciding on the preventive measure.

Fraud in Medical Fundraising

The case involving Nazariy Husakov highlights the need to consider medical and social factors during legal proceedings, especially when dealing with individuals with disabilities. The choice of a time-limited house arrest may reflect the court’s attempt to balance the suspect’s rights with the interests of justice.

This incident also underscores a broader issue of fraud in medical fundraising, which has become a pressing concern in Ukraine amid crises, when people often try to support one another.