KIEV, October 7 (RAPSI) – The Verkhovna Rada has adopted a law in the second and final reading to approve the investigation and trial in absentia of former officials suspected of crimes against national security, RIA Novosti reports on Tuesday.

The law was adopted with 253 votes, more than the required 226. Kiev has said that the adoption of the law would allow charging former President Viktor Yanukovych.

Under the law, suspects (defendants) who are hiding from the investigative authorities outside Ukraine will be appointed (or will be able to hire) an attorney and will have the right to appeal the court’s decision. These terms have been approved for crimes against Ukraine’s national security, peace, humanity and international law, that is, premeditated murder and crimes of terrorism and corruption.