Serbia to revoke citizenship of EU-sanctioned Ukrainian businessman
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 21 November 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Serbia to revoke citizenship of EU-sanctioned Ukrainian businessman, 21 November 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/548ea9026.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 21, 2014
Serbia says it will revoke citizenship it granted to Ukrainian businessman Sergei Kurchenko, sanctioned by the European Union and wanted in his country on embezzlement charges.
The Belgrade "Blic" daily said on November 21 that the billionaire media mogul and gas magnate was given a Serbian passport after an urgent immigration procedure.
However, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic's office says "proceedings have been initiated to revoke the citizenship" because it could complicate Serbia's accession negotiations with the EU.
Kurchenko was seen as close to former pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. Kurchenko left Ukraine in February, around the time Yanukovych fled the country amid violent protests.
In March, Kurchenko was placed on the EU sanctions list that includes several other alleged allies of Yanukovych. It is not clear whether Kurchenko resides in Serbia.
Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
