Delaying the qualification assessment procedure
The High Qualification Commission of Judges (HQCJ) has once again postponed the hearing regarding Larysa Stotska, a judge of the Chernivtsi District Court in the city of Chernivtsi. The next date has been set for 30 November. The reason for the postponement was the judge's own request for additional time. She cites the need to process the updated opinion of the Public Council of Trust (PCT), her incomplete recovery, and the existence of a backlog of court cases.
The process of verifying her suitability for the position has already been ongoing for nearly two years. Since February 2025, interviews have been postponed four times: initially to analyse the PCT opinion, then to clarify additional circumstances, and in October 2026, the judge was on sick leave. On 9 November, the HQCJ again postponed the hearing, despite the fact that on the same day, Larysa Stotska managed to schedule her own court hearing in Chernivtsi for 11:00, which was to take place two hours before the planned meeting with the Commission in Kyiv.
Disciplinary proceedings over "mobilisation" rulings
While the HQCJ awaits the results of the review, the High Council of Justice (HJC) is examining disciplinary proceedings opened based on a complaint from lawyers of the Antikor publication. Experts identified over 100 cases establishing the fact of a father's sole upbringing and maintenance of a child, which Larysa Stotska ruled on en masse. These decisions are a classic scheme for militarily liable men to obtain a deferment from mobilisation or to leave the country.
Attempt to avoid liability through resignation
In parallel with the review process, the judge submitted a request for honorary retirement. Complainants believe that the delay in HQCJ interviews is intended to buy time. This would allow the High Council of Justice to consider her application before the HQCJ or the Disciplinary Chamber makes a final decision on her case, thereby enabling her to avoid qualification liability.
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