Former governor found dead

ZAPORIZHIA – A former governor (oblast administration chair) of Ukraine’s Zaporizhia region has been found dead with a gunshot wound to his throat, the latest in a string of violent deaths of officials with ties to ousted leader Viktor Yanukovych. Police officials said Oleksandr Peklushenko, governor of the southeastern region from 2011 until March 2014, most likely committed suicide. They said his body was found in his home in the town of Soniachnyi near the regional capital on March 12. Mr. Peklushenko, 60, was a member of Viktor Yanukovych’s Party of Regions and formerly represented it in parliament. At least six officials or ex-officials with links to former President Yanukovych’s administration have died this year in cases ruled probable suicides, but the victims’ political allegiances and job histories have fueled suspicions of foul play. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by UNIAN and pravda.com.ua)