Ukraine: killing of lawyer must be investigated promptly
The ICJ calls on the Ukrainian authorities to investigate the murder of lawyer Olexandr Ivanov, killed today with an automatic weapon near SIZO (Pre-trial Dentention Centre) №6 in Kropyvnytskyi.
The shooting was carried out from a car by unknown persons. The lawyer died on the spot. Another person injured in the incident was hospitalized in critical condition.
“The killing of lawyer Oleksandr Ivanov must be independently, promptly, and thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice,” said Temur Shakirov, ICJ Senior Legal Adviser.
“Such crimes strip any legal reforms of their positive impact if lawyers’ life is always in danger when exercising their functions,” he added.
The police have confirmed the occurrence of the killing and initiated an investigation preliminarily qualified as intentional murder under article 115-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian National Bar Association (UNBA) is planning to convene an emergency meeting of the Committee on Protection of Lawyers Rights and Professional Guarantees. The UNBA has also referred to the leadership of regional prosecution and police authorities to bring the case under personal control.
“During its recent mission to Ukraine the ICJ heard of cases of killings of lawyers and this case demonstrates that little progress has been achieved in addressing the security of lawyers in Ukraine,” said Shakirov.
Additional information:
International human rights law, including the European Convention on Human Rights to which Ukraine is a party, requires that states take steps to protect the life and physical integrity of persons who they know or ought to know are at real risk of violence.
According to the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, governments must ensure that lawyers are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference (principle 16). The UN Basic Principles specify that “[w]here the security of lawyers is threatened as a result of discharging their functions, they shall be adequately safeguarded by the authorities” (principle 17).
Popular news
Guarantees of the practice of law
Independent oversight is necessary before using CISA materials against an advocate – Lidiya Izovitova
Before the prosecution uses information obtained during covert investigative actions and related to an advocate’s activities, independent procedural oversight must be conducted. It is necessary to determine whether such information is covered by attorney-client privilege and whether it may be disclosed.
Self-government
Efforts to develop advocacy must be brought to fruition — A. Misyats
The Ukrainian advocacy profession is currently going through a critical phase. Amid the war, it must ensure the continuity of legal aid, defend the independence of the profession, and improve qualification and disciplinary procedures in accordance with European standards. The work that has been started must be brought to a practical conclusion.
Support
Protecting the legal profession, cybersecurity and support for advocates: common themes for the IBA and the UNBA
On September 18, a working meeting was held at the office of the Ukrainian National Bar Association with Executive Director of the International Bar Association (IBA) Mark Ellis. The parties discussed the Ukrainian advocacy profession’s participation in European legal processes, the protection of the UNBA’s digital infrastructure, psychological support for advocates and future areas of cooperation.
Educational events
Tax residency of Ukrainians abroad: what matters
The determination of tax residency for Ukrainians who have been living abroad for an extended period depends on the combination of their personal and economic ties to each country. The established status determines the procedure for reporting income, paying taxes and fulfilling CFC reporting obligations.
War
Are Europe's advocacy associations prepared for a potential war? V. Gvozdiy shared lessons from the Ukrainian experience
The continuity of the bar’s self-governance, the protection of professional registries and archives, as well as equal guarantees of employment for advocates, judges, and prosecutors must be enshrined in advance in legislation in the event of war or another emergency.
Legal defence of military personnel
Payments to military personnel require clear and uniform criteria — UNBA Committee
The vagueness of terms in subordinate regulatory acts leads to differing interpretations of the grounds for paying additional compensation to military personnel. The UNBA has proposed harmonizing these acts and establishing transparent criteria for the allocation of funds.
Legislation
The UNBA will prepare guidelines on lawyers' requests
By the end of 2026, the UNBA Committee on the prevention of administrative offenses committed against advocates will develop guidelines on drafting advocate inquiries and responding to refusals to provide information. There are also plans to standardize the practice of applying Article 212-3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.
Other
The CEC has recognized Andriy Misyats as an elected member of the Ukrainian parliament
The Central Election Commission has adopted a decision recognizing Andriy Misyats as an elected People’s Deputy of Ukraine. He is currently serving as acting chairman of the High Qualification and Disciplinary Commission of the Bar.
Publications
Vasyl Kolishnyi, «Law and Business» Supporting mental health should become part of the professional culture of the Bar, - H. Udovenko
Volodymyr Matsko Extradition during wartime: when the risks outweigh the request
Volodymyr Matsko Extradition as a systemic form of rights violations
Victoria Yakusha, Law and Business The anti-corruption vertical cannot «take care» of the Bar as an institution, - acting head of the HQDCB
Censor.net Protecting advocates – protecting justice: addressing concerns about the new law
Ihor Kolesnykov A BRIEF SUMMARY REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE ORDER ON EXTENDED CONFISCATION IN LATVIA REGARDING FINANCIAL ASSETS OF…
Valentyn Gvozdiy WORKING IN A WAR ZONE
Lydia Izovitova Formula of perfection
