Close, not reject: 250 MPs voted in favor of the draft law limiting access to court decisions

Today, on May 23, MPs supported draft law No. 7033-д, which restricts access to court decisions, in its first reading. Despite numerous public appeals to reject this draft law and detailed explanations of its risks, 250 MPs voted in favor of its adoption.

This poses a threat to the public’s ability to oversee law enforcement and judicial activities. Draft law No. 7033-д not only carries corruption risks, as identified by the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP), but it also contradicts Ukraine’s commitments to European integration.

The Parliament voted to limit access to decisions in cases of particular public interest during martial law and for a year after its conclusion. This includes crimes against national security, protection of state secrets, border integrity, conscription and mobilization, and military service regulations.

However, the draft law still requires a second reading. We urge the Legal Policy Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and MPs to revise draft law No. 7033-д, establish a working group with the public representatives, and make necessary amendments. No law, including this one, should limit the public’s right to freely access information from the judicial register and oversee judicial proceedings.

In its current form, draft law No. 7033-д is dangerous not only for freedom of speech in Ukraine but also for our European integration and continued international support for Ukraine.