Ukrainian pilot Savchenko to undergo psychiatric tests in Moscow

Ukrainian pilot Nadia Savchenko detained in Russia is to undergo a psychiatric examination as part of a criminal inquiry into the killing of Russian journalists, Russian Investigative Committee spokesman told Interfax agency.

"This is a standard procedure and mandatory requirement of Russian criminal proceedings legislation in cases where a person is charged with a very serious crime," the spokesman said. "Savchenko and her defence lawyer have been duly informed of the order to undergo an in-hospital psychiatric examination that will be conducted in Moscow," he said. Earlier on Wednesday, Savchenko’s lawyer Mark Feygin reported that the pilot was taken from her detention facility, and her whereabouts were unknown. As we have reported, Savchenko was taken hostage by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine and then taken to Russia where she was charged with the murder of Russian journalists covering the conflict. Ukraine has opened a criminal case on the kidnapping of Savchenko.