(Un)lasting Tenure: HQCJ considers the dismissal of Its Secretariat Head

Update as of November 8, 2024: The HQCJ’s website has confirmed that Olena Ponomarenko was dismissed from her position on November 6, 2024.

On November 7, the High Qualification Commission of Judges (HQCJ) published the agenda for its plenary hearing, which included the matter of dismissing its Secretariat Head, Olena Ponomarenko.

Ponomarenko, a close ally of the controversial former HQCJ Head Serhiy Kozyakov, has held her position since 2015. Her tenure has been repeatedly linked to corruption and abuse of power, as reported by NGOs. Despite the 2017 law requiring candidates for the position of Secretariat Head to undergo a competitive selection process, Ponomarenko remained in office. She is one of the few public servants in this high-ranking category (“A”) who retains her post indefinitely, even though the law limits such appointments to five years.

As Secretariat Head, Ponomarenko oversees the work of subordinates responsible for maintaining judges’ dossiers, analyzing candidates for judicial appointments, preparing HQCJ decisions, and forwarding them to the High Council of Justice for final approval. Unfortunately, much of this work has been criticized for being superficial, undermining judicial reform efforts. The European Commission has also called for reforming the HQCJ Secretariat in its latest report.

While further updates are awaited, DEJURE Foundation welcomes the HQCJ’s decision to address Ponomarenko’s dismissal. This development signals that the voices of civil society and international partners are being heard. Further decisions and communication from the HQCJ are anticipated.