Ukraine minister closes murder case

Kuchma has denied any involvement in Gongadze's disappearance

KIEV, Ukraine -- Ukraine's interior minister says the investigation into the murder of a controversial journalist has been closed.

Heorhiy Gongadze, an outspoken campaigner against official corruption, disappeared in September and a scandal erupted over allegations President Leonid Kuchma was involved.

However, Interior Minister Yuriy Smirnov said on Tuesday that Gongadze was killed by two criminals, who have since died, and the crimes had nothing to do with politics.

"As a minister, I consider the crime to be resolved. We have proof concerning the criminals, who have died, to our sorrow," said Smirnov, according to the Interfax news agency.

"Knowing the situation in full, I can state that the crime has been resolved and that it has no political grounds. This is a purely criminal matter," Smirnov said.

Some other people involved were already in prison he added.

Opposition movements have accused Kuchma of involvement in Gongadze's slaying, citing audio recordings allegedly made by a fugitive presidential bodyguard, and have staged frequent protests in recent months asking for his resignation.

Kuchma and other officials have denied any involvement in the case.

Last week a headless body found in November was identified -- for a second time -- as that of Gongadze.

The body was examined by an FBI DNA expert and a forensic pathologist from the U.S. Armed Forces Institute of Pathology at Ukraine's urging after doubt was expressed over an identification by Russian experts.

It is not yet known whether the opposition, or the international organisations that have urged Ukraine to fully investigate the case, will accept Smirnov's conclusions.

Gongadze's relatives have also yet to react to the announcement.

The journalist's mother is in Ukraine while his widow, with the couple's two small daughters, is in the U.S. where she received political asylum.

Ukraine faces political crisis
April 25, 2001
Ukraine opposition defends protest
March 11, 2001
Ukraine probe journalist's murder
February 27, 2001
Ukraine body identified as journalist
February 26, 2001
DNA tests aid Ukrainian body mystery
January 10, 2001

Ukranian Parliament
Federal Bureau of Investigation

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.