KIEV, August 31 (Itar-Tass) — The defence of former Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma called the statement by chief suspect in the case over the murder of journalist Georgy Gongadze "slander." Earlier, former Interior Ministry General Alexei Pukach said Kuchma and a number of other officials had ordered to kill Gongadze.

Pukach's loud statements are a means of defence. "He is facing life imprisonment, and can voice any versions," lawyer Viktor Petrunenko said.