Editor’s Note: The weekly summary covers events from Jan. 24-Jan. 31, 2020.
Ukraine makes a step forward to the SBU reform
On Jan. 28, after almost a year of work and despite significant resistance from the Security Service of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, approved the draft law on reforming the agency — known as the SBU — in the first reading. Although the draft law still requires significant improvements on mechanisms of depriving SBU of investigative functions, demilitarization, human rights protection, and civilian oversight, it is an important political step towards comprehensive reform and further integration with NATO. Also, the same day, parliament adopted the law establishing the Bureau of Economic Security. The MPs supported amendments that eliminate improper functions of SBU in the economic sphere as well as abolish anti-corruption and counterintelligence departments on economic protection (which are known for interfering in business). The provision should come into force on the day of the launch of the Bureau of Economic Security, but not later than six months from the adoption of the law.
President suggests strengthening responsibility for false declarations
On Jan. 27, President Volodymyr Zelensky enacted the decision of the National Security and Defense Council on the draft law enhancing the liability for false declarations. It suggests decreasing the threshold for criminal liability and introduces the imprisonment term as one of the sanctions. The draft law is registered under No. 4651.
High Anti-Corruption Court appeals to High Council of Justice to respect its independence
On Jan. 27, the council of HACC judges appealed to the HCJ to “refrain from actions that could undermine the independence of the HACC and damage the authority of justice.” The appeal was the HACC’s reaction to the number of instances whereas the HCJ illegally reprimanded judges of the court for their legal positions in court decisions, for instance, the Kyiv District Administrative Court’s case.
Applications for the position of a new SAPO head are now open
Starting from Jan. 25, the process of selection of a new SAPO head has started. The potential candidates have 21 days to submit their documents. Then, they will need to pass the general skills test, a test of knowledge of the law, two interviews on integrity and professional competence. The winner will be selected on the basis of points gained. All the process will take approximately 3-4 months. The detailed procedure is explained here.
