Equipment for covert audio and video surveillance was discovered in the residences of employees of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HCC). In court, these actions are related to the consideration of specific cases and are considered as an attempt to interfere in the administration of justice. About this informs VAX press office.
“Last week, equipment for covert audio and video surveillance was discovered in the residence of employees of the High Anti-Corruption Court. We regard these facts as attempts to influence the implementation of impartial justice by judges of the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court and connect them with the consideration of court cases that are pending in court.” – said in the official statement of VAX.
In this regard, a message has already been sent to the High Council of Justice and the Office of the Prosecutor General. Criminal proceedings have been opened for this fact. VACS emphasizes that in accordance with Article 6 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Judiciary and the Status of Judges”, any interference in court activities, influence on judges, as well as collection, storage or distribution of information aimed at discrediting or influencing the impartiality of the court is prohibited. Such actions are subject to liability in accordance with the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
“Judicial independence is not a privilege of judges, but a constitutional guarantee of fair justice. Every attempt to monitor, control or influence the court in any way, regardless of method or form, is a serious threat to the judicial system, the rule of law and democracy.” – emphasized the head of VACS Vira Mykhaylenko.
