Ukraine: Judicial Harassment of Anti-Corruption Activist Vitaliy Shabunin
On 3 November 2025, the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a joint initiative of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), called for urgent intervention regarding the continued judicial persecution of Mr. Vitaliy Shabunin in Ukraine.
Background
Mr. Shabunin is the founder and chair of the Anti-Corruption Action Centre (AntAC), a well-known civil society organisation based in Kyiv. AntAC focuses on strengthening Ukraine’s anti-corruption framework and promoting transparency in public institutions.
Context and Current Situation
During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Shabunin voluntarily joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He currently serves as a sergeant in the 43rd Separate Mechanised Brigade, a position he assumed in 2022 at the onset of the full-scale war.
Legal Actions Against Mr. Shabunin
On 15 July 2025, Mr. Shabunin appeared before the Pechersk District Court of Kyiv in criminal proceedings that, according to the Observatory, appear politically motivated and connected to his activism.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) charged him with “evading military service” and “fraud” under Part 4 of Article 409 and Part 2 of Article 190 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code.
Call for International Attention
The Observatory has underscored the political nature of these charges and is appealing for international support to ensure Mr. Shabunin’s rights are upheld and that impartial justice is maintained in Ukraine.
Author’s Summary: The case of Vitaliy Shabunin reveals continued judicial pressure on Ukrainian civil society leaders, raising concerns about fairness and political influence within the judicial system.