31.12.2024 Arbitrariness of judges Investigations

The Ukrainian Bar has sold out to the oligarchic interests of the country’s traitors

The Ukrainian Bar has long ceased to be an independent institution that is supposed to protect the rights and interests of citizens. Instead of standing up for justice and human rights, it has become an instrument of political and economic influence for oligarchic circles and pro-Russian figures. This is particularly evident in the activities of people like Izovitova, who not only have close ties to Viktor Medvedchuk’s regime, but also actively promote the Kremlin’s interests at the expense of Ukraine’s national interests.

Chronicle of pressure on activists

Kyrylo Yakovets is a well-known lawyer and head of the NGO Non-Stop Ukraine, who is actively involved in exposing corruption schemes in Ukraine, in particular in the field of procurement for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the reconstruction of the country after the war. He became known for a number of public statements in which he openly opposed corruption in government structures.

In one of the videos circulating on social media, the activist claimed that the country’s high-ranking officials were more afraid of reputational consequences for corruption than of the war itself. It was about their desire to preserve illegally stolen funds and property, which they take abroad, hiding from the public.

This statement of the lawyer was regarded by the KDKA of Poltava region as “dissemination of false, unverified information, assistance in spreading negative destructive information about Ukraine”. Thus, having considered the situation, on December 10, 2024, the Commission decided to revoke the lawyer’s certificate, citing a violation of the principles of legal ethics.

Obviously, this decision has a political background, as the lawyer has repeatedly exposed corruption schemes at the highest levels of government, including those related to Medvedchuk’s and Stolar’s current business in Ukraine during the war.

Manipulations at the level of the Bar: Izovitova, Medvedchuk and Smirnov

Strangely enough, such decisions often have a deeper and more serious intrigue behind them, involving close cooperation between representatives of the bar, politics and corrupt interests. The role in this context is played by the National Bar Association of Ukraine, which has been headed for many years by Izovitova, a person with close ties to Viktor Medvedchuk’s entourage.

In particular, Izovitova opposed the disbarment of Putin’s godfather, Medvedchuk, and repeatedly defended his interests in the legal field. She also actively lobbied for the adoption of bills that would allow lawyers working in the occupied territories to remain “legitimate” in the eyes of the Ukrainian authorities.

One of the most high-profile cases involving Izovitova is lobbying for the interests of individuals such as Andriy Smirnov, former Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, who from 2019 to 2024 coordinated cooperation with lawyers and courts, and also controlled the process of awarding the title of “Honored Lawyer of Ukraine”. This title was often awarded to people close to Izovitova, which led to numerous accusations of manipulation and corruption schemes.

Smirnov is also connected to Medvedchuk through common political interests and affairs. His name appears in the Astion raiding scandals, corruption, and money laundering through offshore accounts. With Smirnov’s assistance, his godfather, Vasyl Astion, not only received a tenfold reduction in bail, but was also able to travel the world with ease, despite the criminal prosecution of law enforcement.

Pressure on journalists and lawyers: how Izovitova uses her leverage

Despite her official statements about supporting legal ethics and protecting people’s rights, Izovitova continues to put pressure on lawyers who publicly oppose her activities. With the help of the CDC, she managed to first suspend and then revoke the certificate of Kyrylo Yakovets. This was done through manipulations with the deadlines for filing appeals and interference in the processes at the highest levels.

Izovitova has repeatedly appealed to the Higher Qualification and Disciplinary Commission of the Bar to overturn decisions that did not meet her interests, and this was done in violation of the deadlines established by law.

Fighters against corruption: who is really protecting the truth?

All of this looks like part of a larger struggle against those who try to expose the truth about corruption schemes in Ukraine. Using her influence on legal institutions, Izovitova, along with her allies, is silencing active lawyers and journalists who oppose oligarchic circles.

We must clearly realize that abuses in the legal profession, as well as in the judicial system, are not an accident. It is part of a bigger struggle for power and control. And if Izovitova, Medvedchuk and their entourage can manipulate the law and create a system that protects only corrupt interests, it is important that every Ukrainian citizen realizes that we cannot remain indifferent to what is happening in the legal sphere.

What’s next?

This is not just a story about one lawyer. This is a signal to everyone who fights for justice. If we do not stop these manipulations today, it may be too late tomorrow. Pressure on the truth, silencing of anti-corruption activists, manipulation of the law – these are the challenges we face, and we must join forces to stop this corrupt system.

We are already preparing a lawsuit and will appeal the decision in court. In case of negative decisions, we will go further – to the appeal, cassation and the European Court of Human Rights.

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