Anti-corruption activist under attack in Ukraine
Last week I wrote about how the death of a Haitian anti-corruption activist, and how anti-corruption activism can be personally dangerous for anti-corruption activists. This week, the Kyiv Independent reminds us of this, as a leader from one of Ukraine’s anti-corruption CSOs has been improperly charged, though thankfully he has not been threatened personally. “Vitaliy Shabunin, the chair of the Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC) NGO's executive board and current member of the Armed Forces, was charged on July 11 with evading military service and fraud — an accusation his team rejects.” AntAC has been vocal regarding corruption by government officials, both prior and during the war, and has put continuing pressure on the Ukrainian President Zelenskiy’s administration.
What should we do in this situation? For now, the Euromaidan Press, New Voice of Ukraine, Euro Topics , and Radio Free Europe /Radio Liberty , just to name four, have publicized the charges and how it is seen to be a smear campaign. Continuing publicity regarding Mr. Shabunin’s case, as it winds its’ way through the judicial process, is important, as well as providing ongoing pressure and oversight by donors and other anti-corruption activists. Additionally, as we follow this case, we must also be aware and take care in how this is portrayed, as it could play into Russia’s disinformation efforts. To that end, we must also publicize that there are those who are trying to minimize publicity about genuine governmental corruption, while attacking the people who are presenting evidence to the contrary. Activists such as Mr. Shabunin are showing the way and are helping Ukraine’s government become less corrupt and more transparent during such a challenging time in Ukraine and we must continue supporting groups such as AntAC.
Links:
https://kyivindependent.com/antac-shabunin-case/
https://www.eurotopics.net/en/341898/ukraine-charges-against-anti-corruption-activist
https://www.rferl.org/a/vitaliy-shabunin-corruption-justice-ukraine-zelenskyy/33474748.html
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/56300
https://www.dw.com/uk/sprava-sabunina-v-comu-pidozruut-antikorupcijnogo-aktivista/a-73276914