**The Death of a Controversial Figure: Andriy Portnov’s Murder in Madrid**
In a shocking turn of events, former Ukrainian official Andriy Portnov was found dead in the car park of an American school in Madrid. While his murder may have been unexpected, it has not triggered a wave of grief in Ukraine. Instead, many are celebrating his death as a long-awaited justice for his years of corruption and influence.
**A Life Marked by Controversy**
Portnov’s life was marked by controversy from the start. He was a close adviser to former President Viktor Yanukovych, who was pro-Russian and implemented policies that favored Moscow’s interests. Portnov’s own career was built on his ability to manipulate the judicial system for his own benefit, using his influence to silence critics and opponents.
**A Rotten System**
Ukrainian journalists remember Portnov as a mastermind of corruption, who used his position to control the courts and silence those who exposed his wrongdoing. He would sue journalists who wrote negative stories about him, often winning through judges he had placed in senior positions. His attempts to control the judicial system even earned him sanctions from the US.
**A Kingpin for Corruption**
Portnov’s influence extended far beyond his own career. He was instrumental in shaping Ukraine’s corrupt legal system, which served Russian interests and allowed for widespread graft and embezzlement. As director of the Institute of Mass Information, Oksana Romaniuk recalls how Portnov used threats and intimidation to silence journalists who exposed his corruption.
**A Life of Threats and Intimidation**
Portnov was known for his vindictive personality and willingness to use threats and intimidation to get what he wanted. Investigative reporter Maksym Savchuk remembers being attacked by Portnov over a story, with the former official making derogatory comments about his mother.
**Speculation Over His Murder**
Despite the shock of his death, many in Ukraine are speculating about who was responsible for Portnov’s murder. Some believe it could have been the Russians, given his extensive knowledge of their operations and involvement in shady dealings. Others suggest that it could be other criminal groups or even Ukrainian security services.
**A Missed Opportunity?**
While Portnov’s death may bring some closure to those he wronged, legal expert Mykhailo Zhernakov hopes that it will also serve as a catalyst for wider judicial reforms in Ukraine. He warns that many of the people Portnov appointed or helped get jobs are still in the system, and that his influence has not been entirely eradicated.
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