Radio Liberty investigation confirms: advocate Lidiya Izovitova acted within the law

On June 17, Radio Liberty published an article on the activities of the High Council of Justice in 2004-2014. Prior to publication, journalist Serhiy Andrushko asked the Ukrainian National Bar Association to comment on Lidiya Izovitova's activities as a member of the HCJ during that period. The UNBA provided an official response, noting that Lidiya Izovitova has not held any positions in the High Council of Justice/High Council of Justice since 2014 and has been focused exclusively on advocacy for over ten years.

We have reviewed the published investigation and can confidently state that no facts of violation of the law by advocate Lidiya Izovitova were found in the material. All references boil down to the fact that she performed her duties as part of a collegial body — the High Council of Justice — together with other officials at that time. This is no secret and has never been a crime.

The investigation pays particular attention to the careers of her son and daughter, who were appointed judges in Kharkiv, the city where they live, study, and work. Both have the relevant education and experience and have undergone all the appointment procedures in accordance with the law. No evidence of violations, lobbying or conflict of interest has been provided.

In fact, the journalistic investigation confirmed what advocate Lidiya Izovitova has consistently emphasized for many years: her actions as a member of the High Council of Justice were lawful, transparent and professional.

In view of this, we can only thank the authors of the publication for their thorough work. After all, perhaps unwittingly, they have confirmed the integrity of advocate Lidiya Izovitova better than she could have done herself.

Yevgeniy Solodko, Chairman of the UNBA Committee on the Protection of Lawyers' Rights and Guarantees of the Practice of Advocacy.