You're reading: Prosecutor general briefs PACE representatives about criminal justice reform in Ukraine

Ukraine's Prosecutor General Viktor Pshonka has told representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) about the progress in the introduction of the new Criminal Procedure Code in the country.

“Over a short period time since the introduction of the new code
(since November 2012), we can talk about certain achievements. In
particular, such preventive measures as house arrest and bail are being
applied. As a result, we have virtually put an end to the overcrowding
of detention centers. In addition, an institute of the investigating
judge, and the institute of conciliation agreements are effective,” the
prosecutor general said at a meeting with co-rapporteurs of the PACE
Monitoring Committee Marietta de Pourbaix-Lundin, Mailis Reps and Bas
Klein, the PGO’s media relations department reported.

He stressed that the European experience was used in training and
personnel work among prosecutors at all levels before of the
introduction of the Criminal Procedure Code.

“In this respect, we also look at the experience of European
countries, and we are interested in the practice of establishing the
High Council of Prosecutors as a collegial body, which would be
responsible for the appointment, dismissal, or disciplinary action
against the employees,” Pshonka said.

The PACE representatives, in turn, welcomed the reform of criminal
justice in Ukraine. Pourbaix-Lundin praised the speed of the
introduction of the new criminal code, and the training of a large
number of law enforcement officers.

The co-rapporteur also pointed to the importance of continuous monitoring of the process for the further progress.