The Independent: MP Dmytruk to Stand Trial in London Over Extradition Case.

Ukrainian MP Artem Dmytruk, who hid in London, will appear in court to contest an extradition request from the Ukrainian government.

Dmytruk, a former member of the 'Servant of the People' party, told Independent that he 'was forced to flee Ukraine' because of his opposition to a 'controversial' law aimed at closing the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

The extradition request is based on charges of 'hooliganism' due to a 2020 incident when Dmytruk tried to force his way into a political meeting.

The MP dramatically fled to the UK by taking a taxi to the Moldovan border, walking through forests, and then flying to Italy before reaching London, where he has family.

Dmytruk, who is a deacon of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, will argue in Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday that he is a victim of political persecution by the Zelensky government due to his support of the church.

The Ukrainian government stated that the UOC spies for Russia and is linked to an ally of Vladimir Putin.

Dmytruk told Independent that the UK government provided him with protection after his escape in August.

'There is now political persecution of me and my family, me personally for my political views and support of the UOC,' he said ahead of the hearing.

The newspaper notes that 'Dmytruk represents a district in Odessa, which is predominantly Orthodox.'

'I have no personal issue with Zelensky,' he insists. 'I just disagree with policies that I believe negatively affect my constituents.'

But he said that the alleged persecution of the UOC is wrong, as priests serve on the front lines in the war against Russia, which he supports.