We must not become a European Somalia, although everything is heading that way. The rule of law is not functioning in the country. The entire legal system is corrupt or ineffective in most cases. People do not trust the police, investigative bodies, prosecution, courts, etc. All branches of power, including the president, are losing trust.
Injustice has become synonymous with life in Ukraine. The concentration of power in one pair of hands, reinforced by the capabilities of martial law, has led to the erosion of the system. What started reforming after 2014 has reverted to its previous state. Hence the disrespect for the law and mistrust of its enforcers.
We are no longer just a step away from lynch courts. They have already begun — attacks on military personnel and retaliatory actions are consequences of a paralyzed legal system and a very serious warning. It will only get worse because society’s nerves are exposed by the war. Everyone against everyone. Whoever has a stronger voice to claim they are right, will be right. Whoever shouts the loudest that they are the law will act at their discretion. Whoever has more power, bends justice to their will. This is a move towards anti-civilization.
Without a complete reconstruction of the legal system, we are doomed to internal collapse. This is a gift to the enemy, who, as a result of internal processes, could take us over without war if it exploits the destruction of law, which is the backbone of every state. Does anyone doubt that Russia will use this?
That is why I constantly talk about moving towards Europe, where respect for the law is predominant, even if someone does not like the law. And where the law itself is interpreted in courts, not according to someone’s whim. And this respect is ensured by the legal system that works not for itself, not for the state leaders, but for the law and citizens. Ukraine is still far from this and, in order to survive, must get closer.
