U.S. demanding impartial, credible probe into Sheremet's murder - statement

The United States is demanding a thorough, impartial, and credible investigation into the murder of journalist Pavlo Sheremet, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine has said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.

"On the fourth anniversary of Pavel Sheremet's assassination, we join Ukrainians in continuing to call for a thorough, impartial, and credible investigation that brings justice to those who ordered and carried out his murder," the statement reads.

The U.S. Embassy said it honored the role Sheremet and other independent Ukrainian journalists have played in bravely reporting the truth and facilitating the open exchange of information and ideas.

"Independent journalists' work is critical to a democracy's success," the statement reads.

Journalist Pavlo Sheremet was killed in a car explosion in Kyiv on July 20, 2016.

Investigators currently suspect doctor and volunteer Yulia Kuzmenko, paratrooper battalion nurse Yana Duhar, and Donbas war veteran Andriy Antonenko.

On May 25, Kyiv's Pechersky District Court granted the prosecutors' motions and changed the measure of restraint for Duhar from house arrest to UAH 168,000 bail. The required amount was collected in less than 24 hours.

On July 13, Kyiv Court of Appeal softened the measure of restraint for Duhar by removing an ankle monitor and lifting territorial travel restrictions.

Kuzmenko and Antonenko are currently in jail.

On July 17, Kyiv's Pechersky District Court decided to limit the time for all suspects and their defense lawyers to review the materials of the criminal proceedings concerning Sheremet's murder until August 14.

op