Judge Kuchma to the Security Service of Ukraine representatives at the Lvov case hearing: “The attendees in the courtroom appear to be more informed about this matter.”

Sighs and gestures of helplessness – this is roughly how the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) representative looked today during the Lvov case proceeding at the Sixth Administrative Court of Appeal. Today, on March 28, the panel of judges chaired by Andriy Kuchma initiated considering the Supreme Court’s appeal against the decision reinstating Bohdan Lvov as a judge of the Supreme Court. As a result, the judges adjourned the case until April 25.

Following the speeches of the representative of the Supreme Court and Lvov’s defence, the floor was given to the SSU. Then, “the most interesting part” began: the judges inquired about who the SSU had been in correspondence with, which registers they checked for information, and so on, yet the responses were vague and inaccurate. As the presiding judge noted: “It would be easier to ask the attendees in this courtroom; they appear to be more informed about this matter”.

It seems that the Lvov case has become a litmus test not only for the Sixth Administrative Court of Appeal but also for the SSU itself. Against the backdrop of recent scandals, including surveillance of investigative journalists, the Lvov case represents a genuine opportunity to demonstrate readiness to defend Ukraine against Russia at all levels: on the front line and in the government agencies.

The representation witnessed today by the public is unacceptable. We hope that the SSU will thoroughly prepare for the upcoming hearing, as the potential reinstatement of Bohdan Lvov to the Supreme Court hinges upon it.