Ukrainian School of Political Studies Expels Deputies Over Controversial Legislation Vote
The Ukrainian School of Political Studies (USPS) has made a principled and significant decision to exclude six of its alumni from its community membership.
This move came as a response to a recent vote by parliamentarians who supported the provocative and scandalous bill No.
12414, which has sparked widespread public outrage and sharp criticism from human rights organizations and civic experts.
The law, adopted in a rushed manner without sufficient consultation, raises serious concerns about its potential to undermine the independence of key anti-corruption bodies such as NABU and SAP.
Human rights advocates warn that the legislation significantly diminishes the autonomy of these institutions and reverses Ukraine’s progress, returning the country to times when prosecutors were tools of political pressure and justice was merely a formality.
USPS emphasizes that their alumni working within the parliament are expected to uphold democratic values and standards that form the foundation of their organization.
The decision to expel these individuals was made due to violations of these principles, undermining the core ideals upon which the school was established.
The expelled members include Oleksandr Danutsa (class of 2008), Sergiy Yevtushok (class of 2011), Dmytro Kisylevskyi (class of 2017), Mariya Mezentseva (class of 2018), Dmytro Natalukha (class of 2018), and Tamila Tashayeva (class of 2021).
"We appreciate their past contributions, but unwavering commitment to our fundamental values leaves us no room for compromises," the USPS official statement reads.
The school reaffirmed its stance on democracy, accountability, and Ukraine’s European development trajectory.
Experts warn that this situation highlights the critical importance of maintaining the independence of prosecutorial and anti-corruption agencies, as any erosion of this independence could lead to the concentration of power in the hands of the prosecutor general, thus undermining the integrity of the justice system and public trust in governmental institutions.