Latest version of the SBU draft law still fails to deliver the reform
On May 17, the working group on the Security Service of Ukraine reform presented the pre-final text of the draft law. Unfortunately, it fails to deliver true reform of the service and secures redundant and excessive functions of the SBU. MPs ignored numerous expert recommendations on improving the law, including the recommendations given by the International Advisory Group.
Parliament adopts the High Council of Justice reform in the first reading
On May 19, the Parliament adopted draft law No.5068 on the High Council of Justice reform in the first reading. So far, the MPs have not yet implemented into the draft law the recent recommendations of the Venice Commission. They have to give independent experts a decisive role in the process of selection and vetting of the High Council of Justice members.
State Bureau of Investigation persecutes corruption whistleblower
In April, the State Bureau of Investigation conducted search and seizure in the cabinet of Kharkiv judge Olena Zaichko. In September 2020, she reported to the NABU bribery conducted by the head of Kharkiv District Administrative Court Olha Panchenko. The SBI accuses Zaichko of false crime reporting against Panchenko, although the charges against the latter have been upheld by the NABU. Zaichko does not have a perfect reputation herself, the SBI and other judges launched a persecution against her only when she became a whistleblower in the case of the head of the court.
