The Supreme Court is dragging its feet. Vovk has not been saved — yet
The worst has not happened. However, the threat has not disappeared — it has merely been postponed.
The Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court has already postponed its decision for the fourth time in the case where the scandalous Pavlo Vovk is challenging his dismissal as a judge. This time, the hearing has been rescheduled for June 18 at 10:00.
It is precisely due to the engagement of civil society that the Supreme Court is hesitant to rule in Vovk’s favour. At the same time, the judges are unwilling to state the obvious — that Vovk has no place among judges given his blatant misconduct.
In cases like this, the attention of both the public and international partners is crucial. Today, representatives of five EU diplomatic missions attended the hearing. Court staff attempted to deny them access, but ultimately failed. Others were less fortunate. Despite available seats in the courtroom, several journalists and concerned citizens were denied entry to the Supreme Court premises. Among them was Slidstvo.Info journalist Liza Bykova, who previously published an investigation into Pavlo Vovk’s daughter and her provocations. Journalists from the independent outlet Graty, which covers court proceedings, were also left outside, along with activists from the NGO Holka led by Iryna Fedoriv. This once again demonstrates the selective approach of the Supreme Court — particularly given that, during the consideration of Inna Otrosh’s case, court staff were bringing in extra chairs to accommodate her supporters.
We thank everyone who helped spread the word and those who came to the hearing in person. Your attention is what prevents the system from sliding back into the hands of corrupt judges. The reinstatement of Pavlo Vovk would trigger the return of at least 50 other low-integrity judges and make it virtually impossible to dismiss judges in the future — even those caught committing crimes.
We will continue to actively cover this issue. See you on June 18.
