HACC has no premises to accommodate new judges – Head of Court Administration

While 22 candidates for positions at the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) are set to undergo interviews with the High Council of Justice followed by presidential appointments, the Court warns it lacks the physical premises to house new judges and staff.

In a comment to Interfax-Ukraine, Head of the HACC Administration Bohdan Kryklyvenko recalled that last week, the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine, together with the Public Council of International Experts, announced the results of special joint meetings regarding the integrity of candidates.

"Twenty-two candidates have been identified to proceed to the next stages. The further selection for the position of HACC judge, in particular, involves an interview at the High Council of Justice," he explained.

According to Kryklyvenko, the High Council of Justice will subsequently submit motions for the appointment of those who successfully pass all selection stages via presidential decrees.

However, the head of the court administration emphasized that the situation regarding the placement of new judges and the staff required to support the administration of justice is critical. Kryklyvenko specified that this involves at least 100 people, including the future judges.

"Unfortunately, the High Anti-Corruption Court has no conditions at all, specifically premises (courtrooms, guard stations, offices, etc.) that will be critically necessary for organizing the work of the HACC and the HACC Appeals Chamber in an increased composition," noted the head of the court administration.

He added: "It is an unacceptable situation where an extremely complex selection of judges, which has lasted effectively three years, might result in newly appointed judges being unable to administer justice due to such banal material and technical reasons caused by the inaction of relevant officials."

At the same time, he expressed hope that the issue would be resolved.

"We expect that while the final competitive procedures continue for a few more weeks, the obligations under the Roadmap for Ukraine’s integration into the EU, as well as the instructions of the Prime Minister of Ukraine, will be fulfilled in the shortest possible time," Kryklyvenko summarized.