Bangladesh, Nov. 5 -- Ukraines ongoing war against Russia has brought global sympathy, military aid, and a renewed emphasis on democratic resilience. Yet, behind the façade of wartime unity, a disturbing trend of judicial harassment against civil activists is raising questions about the countrys commitment to transparency and reform. The latest case involving Vitaliy Shabunin, co-founder of the Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC) and a serving sergeant in Ukraines armed forces, has triggered an uproar among local and international human rights groups who say Kyiv is weaponizing the justice system to silence critical voices.

On July 15, Ukraines State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) presented charges against Shabunin in the Pechersk ...