In Ukraine, there is an ongoing debate about the transparency and objectivity of the process of appointing judges, in particular regarding the role of the Public Integrity Council, an advisory body to the High Qualifications Commission of Judges (HCQC). According to the "Law and Business" publication, half of the members of this council have close ties with two influential public organizations - Mykhailo Zhernakov's "DEJURE Foundation" and Vitaly Shabunin's "Anti-Corruption Center".
Thus, the publication concludes, Zhernakov and his ally Shabunin together control more than half of the members of the Council.
The "Foundation" employs four members of the State Development Committee, three more previously received money from this organization. Also, one member of the Council received income from Shabunin's "Center", and the same organization submitted an application for participation in the competition for membership in the Council (in total, there are 20 members).
"Among other members of the council, you can find acquaintances of Zhernakov and Shabunin, members of friendly public associations, etc. In view of this, it can be stated that these two public activists have a direct and decisive influence on the majority of the OSB, and the council itself acts in a coordinated and centralized manner," the publication concludes.
Earlier we wrote that Zhernakov was detained for failure to appear on a summons to the TCC.
As for Shabunin, they are investigating the case of evading military service and forgery of documents.
