You're reading: Yanukovych signs controversial court law

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has signed a law on the country's judicial system and the status of judges, the presidential press service reported on Tuesday.

The Ukrainian parliament passed the law tabled by the president on July 7.

The document foresees the creation of the Higher Specialized Court of Ukraine to consider civil and criminal cases, which will operate equally with the Higher Administrative Court of Ukraine and the Higher Economic Court.

It envisages a reduction in the number of judges of the Supreme Court and the disbanding of military courts.

According to the law, all issues linked to the election and dismissal of judges elected for an indefinite term should be considered at the Higher Qualified Commission of Judges of Ukraine and the Higher Council of Justice.

The law also improves and optimizes the procedure for bringing judges to disciplinary liability.

An explanatory note to the document reads that the adoption of the law seeks to reform the country’s judicial system in line with international standards, improve the role of courts and the status of judges in society, guarantee the independence of courts from any influence, and facilitate access to the courts for every citizen.

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