Ukrainian interior minister sues Odessa Governor Saakashvili for libel

Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov has filed a lawsuit against Odessa Governor Mikhail Saakashvili for libel, Avakov said in an interview on TV channel 1 + 1.

“Because, if you're saying that someone is a thief, [that someone should] respond,” said Avakov.

“As far as I know, [Ukrainian Prime Minister] Yatsenyuk is going to do this, too,” Avakov said.

tsn.ua

• At a December 14 meeting of the National Council for Reform, a verbal exchange took place between Avakov and Saakashvili, in which they accused each other of corruption. The interior minister then threw water in the governor's face.
• After the National Council meeting, Saakashvili said Avakov maintained “informal paramilitary groups” and finances them with proceeds from corruption. Saakashvili also accused Yatsenyuk of corruption.