Court halts recall procedure for Uman mayor over signatures from deceased citizens

Lawyers find violations in collected signatures

During the review of documents that served as the basis for initiating the recall procedure for Irina Pletnyova, head of the Uman City Council, significant violations were recorded. The lists of citizens acting as initiators included signatures from individuals who had already passed away by the time of collection. The lists also included people who do not belong to the Uman territorial community. Additionally, an expert examination revealed sheets with signatures written in a similar handwriting, raising doubts about the authenticity of the documents.

Court ruling halts change in power

On 16 September, the court issued a ruling to suspend the decision on the recall of the city mayor. This means that Irina Pletnyova continues to exercise her powers as the mayor of Uman, despite attempts to remove her.

Mayor's comment on the legality of the process

Irina Pletnyova commented on the situation, emphasising the priority of legal norms. «Правда важнее попыток любой ценой забрать власть. Суд поставил законность выше политического противостояния» (Truth is more important than attempts to seize power at any cost. The court placed legality above political confrontation), the mayor stated, underlining that the judiciary had prioritised adherence to legality over political conflicts.

Journalists also approached the city leader with questions about who specifically is trying to gain control over the Uman community and for what motives.