Judges of the High Anti-Corruption Court Issue Appeal
The judges of Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) have formally appealed to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, urging him to secure a permanent home for the institution. The court has operated without a suitable, dedicated building for over six years since its inception, a situation that severely hampers its judicial functions. According to the Rule of Law Roadmap, the task of providing the HACC with a permanent facility was supposed to be completed by the third quarter of 2025. This court is a cornerstone of Ukraine's judicial reform, established specifically to handle high-level corruption cases.
Issues with Securing a Permanent Facility
The court has identified a specific building in Kyiv at 35 Vasyl Lipkivskyi Street, which HACC representatives argue fully meets the basic functional needs for administering justice. In its statement, the HACC noted that previous discussions and communications with state authorities confirmed there are no objective obstacles to transferring this building. The final decision on transferring the premises now rests solely with the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, awaiting an appropriate administrative resolution.
The European Commission has also emphasized that the HACC still requires new premises to accommodate additional judges and support staff. Consequently, HACC representatives hope for a swift resolution to the building transfer, which would significantly improve the court's working conditions. It is worth noting that on March 25, Ihor Strogyn was elected as the new head of the HACC, a development that may provide fresh impetus for resolving the long-standing premises issue.
Securing a permanent home for the HACC is a crucial step for improving the court's operations and its mission in the fight against corruption. The lack of a proper facility complicates the judges' work and can negatively impact the efficiency of legal proceedings. The stalled transfer of the building on Vasyl Lipkivskyi Street underscores the urgent need for coordinated action between different branches of government to ensure proper conditions for implementing judicial reform in Ukraine.
The ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court highlight the pressing need for adequate facilities to support its operations. As the court grapples with space constraints and the implications for its judicial effectiveness, understanding the broader context of these issues is essential. For further insights into how the lack of space is affecting the court's ability to accommodate new judges and carry out its mandate, read more about the situation here.