The International Criminal Bar Association (ICBA) has extended its congratulations to the Ukrainian legal profession following the inclusion of Oleksiy Shevchuk, Spokesperson of the National Association of Advocates of Ukraine (NAAU), in the selection commission responsible for choosing the Deputy Head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP).

ICBA noted that the participation of the Ukrainian Bar’s representative in such a commission is an important safeguard for institutional balance, transparency, and public confidence in the integrity of competitive appointment procedures within the anti-corruption framework. According to the Association, decisions that shape senior leadership in key prosecutorial institutions should be informed by broad, professional representation and a clear commitment to due process.

ICBA further emphasized that the Prosecutor General’s decision to include the NAAU Spokesperson in the relevant commission is prudent and aligned with democratic governance standards. Ensuring that all key legal institutions and professional bodies are properly represented helps protect the independence of selection processes, reduces the risk of undue influence, and supports impartial, merit-based outcomes.

The Association underlined that meaningful inclusion of the professional legal community strengthens accountability and reinforces the rule-of-law foundations necessary for the effective functioning of SAP and Ukraine’s wider anti-corruption architecture.