In Your Name: Justice in Wartime. EU Project Pravo-Justice Presented a Documentary

On 18 September, the Zhovten cinema hosted the premiere of the documentary film ‘In Your Name: Justice in Wartime’, created with the support of EU Project Pravo-Justice.

The documentary is dedicated to the resilience of Ukraine’s judicial system and ensuring access to justice in wartime. The plot is based on the stories of judges who continue administering justice despite the challenges of a full-scale invasion, as well as of those who serve in the Armed Forces to defend Ukraine.

“The first reaction of all our heroes before the interview was “Have I done anything remarkable? Why so much attention?” This modesty is not feigned, and it speaks louder than any words. It seemed that they got more nervous in front of the camera than when they were sitting in a tank or handing down a difficult court sentence. However, it seems we managed to capture the most important aspect of their stories: wherever they are, it is always a place where they should be. And they will stay true to themselves,” said the film’s screenwriter Mykola Tereliov during the presentation.

Thus, Yurii Rachkeliuk has come a long way — from mistrust to respect. Like millions of volunteers in the early days of the great war, he would not ask himself unnecessary questions. That is how he left the chair of the chief justice of a district court and ended up in a tank brigade heading for Bakhmut.

“At a time when the people of Ukraine took up arms to defend their homeland from Russian aggression, I could not stand aside, hiding behind judicial immunity and taking the position of an outside observer. So, I decided to take up arms to defend the sovereignty and territorial independence of my motherland, Ukraine,” said Yurii Rachkeliuk, chief justice of the Novhorodskyi District Court.

Olena Kovbii, member of the High Council of Justice and the first female judge to voluntarily take up arms, also underwent her baptism of fire in Bakhmut.

“After submitting my application for the position of member of the High Council of Justice, I immediately attracted a lot of attention, as I was the first female judge ever to join the army. I don’t like that, and besides, I frankly believe that I did nothing heroic; I simply decided to be useful where the State needed me most at that particular time,” said Olena Kovbii.

Oleksii Nesterenko, chief of the Inguletskyi District Court in Kryvyi Rih, continues to administer justice despite constant shelling in his hometown. In more than three years of full-scale war, Oleksii says, the workload on judges has increased several times. However, despite significant challenges, the right to a trial shall not be restricted.

“For the Ukrainians, this war is not only about independence. It is a war for the opportunity to live in a fair and just state. Without a fully functioning judicial system, including as an arbitrator between the individual and the state, a state governed by the rule of law cannot exist. The Constitution of Ukraine stipulates that justice is administered exclusively by courts, and the right to a fair trial shall not be restricted, not even under martial law,” stated Oleksii Nesterenko.

Oksana Tsymbrivska, Team Leader of EU Project Pravo-Justice, who came up with the idea of the film, also spoke during the presentation. She said the following.

“This film shows that even in the most difficult conditions of war, Ukrainian judges remain where they are supposed to – administering justice and defending the country. Despite shelling, destroyed buildings, and doubled or even tripled workload, the right to access to justice remains a reality. We want society to see this integrity and dedication to justice; and international partners to realise the importance of continued support of the judiciary. With this film, we want to shed light on the other side of the judicial system – where dedicated people with principles work, – and remind judges and court staff members: you are not alone – your work is visible, important to society, and deserves sincere respect and gratitude,” emphasised Oksana Tsymbrivska.

According to Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, justice, even in times of war, remains a key foundation for Ukraine's democratic development.

"Together with our partners, we are taking steps to implement the Rule of Law Roadmap, which outlines practical steps to strengthen the justice system and advance Ukraine on its path to European integration," he said.

The premiere was also attended by the members of the international community. In particular, Gaël Veyssière, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Ukraine, congratulated the authors of the documentary. He also noted that Ukraine had taken significant steps to reboot judicial reform.

“France resolutely supports Ukraine in its efforts to uphold the rule of law, a well-functioning judiciary and equal access to justice for all. This is a crucial part of Ukraine’s resilience in the context of the Russian war of aggression and it paves the way for Ukraine’s membership to the EU. We admire the courage and dedication of the judges and employees of Ukraine’s judiciary, many of whom took up arms to defend their country, while others risk their lives daily carrying out their duty and delivering justice all the way up to the frontline. The investigations to make Russia accountable for its crimes against Ukraine and the Ukrainian people are priceless.”

Asier Santillán Luzuriaga, Head of Section for European Integration, Governance and Rule of Law, Civil Society at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, said:

“This documentary shows an entire justice system that refuses to be broken by war. The stories of Ukrainian judges, at the heart of this film, remind us that Ukraine is fighting not only for its sovereignty, but also for our shared values of dignity, fairness, and the rule of law. The EU stands firmly with Ukraine, supporting not only its defence against Russian aggression, but also to building a democratic and fair state.”

The presentation also hosted a panel discussion with representatives of the judiciary and Parliament. In particular, the participants discussed the future of Ukraine’s judiciary in the context of war and European integration. In addition, an exhibition entitled ‘Crimes of the Russian Federation against the civilian population of Ukraine: attacks and unlawful deprivation of liberty’ was inaugurated. It is dedicated to the stories of Ukrainian civilians taken hostage by the aggressor country, as well as to the large-scale missile attacks and shelling that have been destroying peaceful life on a daily basis.

The national premiere of the documentary film ‘In Your Name: Justice in Wartime’ will take place on the Yedyni Novyny telethon on Saturday, 20 September, at 21:00 (Kyiv time). After its nationwide premiere, the documentary will be made freely available on the YouTube channel of EU Project Pravo-Justice".