The European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (EUASU) expresses profound concern and strongly condemns the detention of Olga Panchenko, Corresponding Member and prominent defense attorney. Ms. Panchenko was detained by representatives of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in the Odessa region and the Prosecutor's Office of Odessa region on April 15, 2025. This action occurred within the framework of a criminal proceeding in which Panchenko serves as defense counsel.

During the search, the Odessa Region Bar Council confirmed the presence of representative Evgeny Ivanchenko, who officially documented all comments regarding procedural concerns in the search protocol. However, numerous irregularities, including a suspicion notice without a proper date or signature, highlight severe procedural violations and raise alarming questions regarding the motivations behind Panchenko's detention.

The Committee for the Protection of Lawyers' Rights and Guarantees of Advocacy of the Ukrainian National Bar Association (UNBA) has explicitly described these actions as unacceptable, constituting significant pressure on legal professionals and a gross violation of advocacy guarantees. The UNBA regards such actions as blatant attempts to intimidate lawyers by misusing the mechanisms of criminal proceedings.

Prominent legal experts and colleagues of Ms. Panchenko have emphasized the retaliatory nature of her detention. Lawyer Alexander Babikov characterized her arrest as "revenge for her principled and qualified defense of clients in court," underscoring the disturbing trend of prosecutorial persecution against diligent defenders when no legitimate legal arguments remain.

Lawyer Yevgenia Tarasenko further noted that two male colleagues have already been pressured out of this case through threats of mobilization, indicating a systematic and deliberate attempt to weaken the defense team.

Lawyer Vladimir Klochkov attested that Panchenko had repeatedly reported sustained pressure, threats, and demands that she abandon her defense responsibilities. Her response was unequivocal: "I am a lawyer. I defend to the end." Her principled stance has, unfortunately, resulted in the repercussions we observe today.

It is especially troubling that the detention of Ms. Panchenko occurred immediately prior to an essential court hearing scheduled for April 18, 2025. This timing strongly suggests an intentional effort to disrupt due legal processes and compromise the integrity of the judicial system.

In response to this egregious violation of legal guarantees, the Bar Council of Ukraine convened an extraordinary meeting on April 16, 2025, resulting in the establishment of a dedicated working group tasked with monitoring and documenting violations of lawyers' rights and guarantees over the past three years, specifically including the case of Olga Panchenko.

EUASU unequivocally supports the Ukrainian legal community in demanding an immediate investigation into these unacceptable actions and calls for the prompt release of Olga Panchenko. Upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of legal professionals is fundamental to any democratic society and must be uncompromisingly defended.