President launches second stage of judicial reform

"I have signed decrees on the liquidation and creation of local courts in Ukraine, and I call on lawyers and scientists and lawyers to actively participate in competitions for the posts of judges," the head of state wrote on his Facebook page on Friday.

Poroshenko recalled that the first stage of the judicial reform had been completed after the formation of a new Supreme Court and that the second stage of the reform was now under way.

"Today is the second stage, which pursues two absolutely clear positions. We must bring courts and justice closer to the people. There can be no districts without courts and courts without judges," the president said.

As reported, earlier the Presidential Administration prepared draft decrees on the liquidation of local general courts and the formation of district courts.

In turn, the High Council of Justice approved the relevant initiatives, which foresee the liquidation of 142 local general courts and the creation of 74 district courts.

op