IMF refutes reports on softer stance toward anti-corruption court in Ukraine

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has refuted the reports that earlier appeared in Ukrainian media and online blogs on softening its stance toward the issue of setting up a High Anti-Corruption Court in Ukraine.

“There’s no truth to the contentions in terms of these softening positions and rumors circulating about layoffs. There is absolutely no credibility to any of those rumors,” William Murray, the IMF’s deputy spokesman, told a briefing in Washington on Thursday, answering an UNIAN question.

According to Murray, the establishment of the High Anti-Corruption Court in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission is an integral part of the cooperation program.

Read alsoIMF representative predicts Ukraine's economy may grow by 3%-3.5% in 2018“As for the law on the anti-corruption court, we look forward to working together with the authorities and international partners to address concerns regarding the current draft law on the anti-corruption court and bring it fully in line with Ukraine’s commitments under the IMF program and the recommendations of the Venice Commission. As we have noted previously, the establishment of the anti-corruption court consistent with the Venice Commission’s recommendations is an essential component of the IMF-supported program with Ukraine.  

On December 22, 2017, Petro Poroshenko submitted to Parliament a draft law on the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC). The head of state also registered in the Rada a bill on amendments to the law on the judiciary and the status of judges. Both bills were designated as urgent.

Read alsoUkraine minister hopes IMF-backed court law passed by March - ReutersCivic organizations and Ukraine’s international partners, including the IMF, have largely criticized the bills over their inconsistency with the recommendations of the Venice Commission, in particular as regards ensuring the independence of the judges’ selection process.

Following Poroshenko’s meeting with IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde on Jan 25, the president said Ukraine would accelerate preparation of the bill on the High Anti-Corruption Court to its second reading, according to the obligations before the IMF providing for taking into account recommendations of the Venice Commission.