Ukraine: Judicial Harassment of Anti-Corruption Activist Mr Vitaliy Shabunin
The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a collaboration between the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), calls for urgent action regarding a troubling case in Ukraine.
Case Overview
Vitaliy Shabunin, founder and chair of the Anti-Corruption Action Centre (AntAC), a leading civil society group based in Kyiv, faces increasing judicial harassment and politically motivated prosecution. AntAC is dedicated to strengthening Ukraine's fight against corruption and promoting transparency.
Context of the Charges
Since the Russian invasion, Mr. Shabunin has served voluntarily as a sergeant in the 43rd Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, mobilizing at the start of the full-scale conflict in 2022.
On 15 July 2025, the Pechersk District Court of Kyiv reviewed a criminal case involving Mr. Shabunin. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has charged him with "evading military service" and "fraud," referencing Part 4 of Article 409 and Part 2 of Article 190 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code.
“The Observatory has been informed of the ongoing and escalating judicial harassment and politically motivated criminal prosecution of Mr Vitaliy Shabunin, founder and chair of the Anti-Corruption Action Centre (AntAC).”
“The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) accused him of ‘evading military service’ and ‘fraud’ (under Part 4 of Article 409 and Part 2 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code).”
Significance
This case highlights serious concerns about the use of the judicial system in Ukraine to target anti-corruption activists under the guise of legal proceedings.
Vitaliy Shabunin represents both civic commitment to Ukraine's transparency and its military defense, making these allegations appear politically charged.
Author’s Summary
The persecution of Vitaliy Shabunin exemplifies the threat of politically motivated legal actions used to silence key anti-corruption voices during Ukraine’s ongoing conflict.
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