NABU installed "wiretapping" in the office of Kyiv lawyers - an unprecedented violation of attorney-client privilege
- Open Media Ukraine
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
An unprecedented case: The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has set up wiretapping in the office of Kyiv lawyers. According to sources, the "wiretap" was installed in the meeting room, where lawyers discussed with clients the strategies of their defense. Moreover, the clients whose conversations were recorded were under investigation by the bureau itself, reports UNN.
What happened?
For about a month, NABU detectives recorded and eavesdropped on conversations in the office of lawyers in the center of the capital. The lawyers themselves discovered the "wiretap" - it was built into the floor from the lower floor, which the detectives rented specifically for these actions.
According to sources, an important fact is that at the time of the wiretapping, there were no criminal proceedings against the lawyers. And only after the discovery of the "wiretap", on the same day, NABU detectives urgently registered a factual criminal proceeding with a plot about the alleged interference of lawyers in electronic systems. However, this plot is not under the jurisdiction of NABU, as it is not a corruption crime. That is, it may be a matter not only of the fact that NABU detectives acted in a prohibited manner and collected information about the tactics and strategy of defending their suspects, but also violated the investigation, committing such actions.
It is currently unknown which judge of the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court authorized the prohibited wiretapping of lawyers - UNN is preparing a corresponding request. However, the data of the NABU investigation team and SAP prosecutors are known: Yaroslav Voronizhskyi and Fedir Oliinyk are among them. Both are from the orbit of Andriy Kaluzhynskyi, who was scandalously dismissed from NABU and against whom an official investigation was initiated.
It should be noted that the protection of confidential information of lawyers is one of the cornerstones of the legal profession. Therefore, such actions by NABU detectives may indicate prohibited methods: violation of both the Constitution of Ukraine and international legal standards that guarantee attorney-client privilege.
Why is this important?
Attorney-client privilege is the foundation of trust between a lawyer and a client. Without this principle, it is impossible to ensure the protection of citizens in court or guarantee a fair trial.
Obtaining confidential information can be used for manipulation, blackmail, or undue pressure on both lawyers and their clients. This creates a dangerous precedent for state interference in the private lives of citizens. If lawyers cannot protect the rights of their clients due to illegal actions of state bodies, this threatens the entire legal system of the country.
What does the law say?
The Constitution of Ukraine guarantees every citizen the right to defense and attorney-client privilege (Article 59). The Law "On Advocacy and Advocacy" directly prohibits interference in the activities of lawyers and violation of the confidentiality of their conversations with clients. Such actions also contradict international standards, in particular the European Convention on Human Rights (Article 8 - right to respect for private and family life).
What are the consequences?
• Collapse of trust in NABU, which is already teetering on the brink of absolute distrust on the part of Ukrainians, according to recent social research. The institution designed to fight corruption risks losing legitimacy, as its methods contradict the basic principles of law.
• International condemnation. Such actions may cause serious claims from international organizations such as the Council of Europe or the Venice Commission.
• Risk to the legal profession. If such actions go unpunished, lawyers will be under constant surveillance, which will cast doubt on their ability to defend clients.
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