The first disciplinary chamber of the High Council of Justice recommended the former Supreme Court President, Vsevolod Kniazev, for dismissal

Today, June 17th, the first disciplinary chamber of the High Council of Justice (comprising members Bokova, Bondarenko, Kvasha, and Moroz) unanimously voted to dismiss Supreme Court judge Vsevolod Knyazev, based on a complaint filed by our lawyer, Khrystyna Burtnyk.

Judge Knyazev did not attend the hearing, informing the High Council of Justice that he is currently on leave and undergoing a health examination. His lawyers repeatedly requested to postpone the hearing, citing the need to challenge the members of the High Council of Justice, allegedly due to information Knyazev possesses about the “formation of the High Council of Justice.” One might wonder if he was implying any irregularities in the Council’s formation.

Despite the lawyers’ attempts to delay the proceedings, as well as their requests to involve witnesses or conduct a contract examination, the first disciplinary chamber of the High Council of Justice denied their motions. The chamber’s decision is not final yet, and Knyazev’s defenders plan to appeal.

We welcome this decision by the disciplinary chamber and hope that it will be upheld by the full composition of the High Council of Justice, leading to Knyazev’s dismissal without the possibility of receiving a judicial salary. Furthermore, there are other complaints of significant public interest that also deserve priority consideration.