Ukrainian School of Political Studies expels deputies supporting the dismantling of NABU and SAP’s independence
In the current Ukrainian political and legal landscape, a new wave of conflicts and internal disagreements has erupted amid the enactment of Law №12414, which threatens the independence of the country's key anti-corruption bodies — the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP).
The Ukrainian School of Political Studies (USPS), a leading institution dedicated to political education and promoting democratic values, could not remain indifferent in this critical situation.
Following internal voting and discussions, the school decided to exclude six deputies from its community, who on July 22 supported the bill that effectively places NABU and SAP under the control of the Prosecutor General, undermining the principles of rule of law and judicial independence.
The expelled include Oleksandr Danutsa (class of 2008), Serhii Evtushok (2011), Dmytro Kysylevskii (2017), Mariia Mezentseva (2018), Dmytro Natalukha (2018), and Tamila Tashieva (2021).
The official statement emphasizes that such a move is necessary to defend core democratic values.
The school also stresses that it supports the long-term efforts of its alumni but cannot compromise on the independence of judicial institutions.
Notably, the adoption of Bill №12414 is viewed as a manifestation of shortsighted political thinking reminiscent of 2012, when prosecutor-controlled verticals were used as instruments of political pressure.
The Ukrainian School urges parliamentarians and national deputies to oppose such decisions and prevent the destruction of judicial and anti-corruption reforms that took years of international efforts.
The institution underscores that ensuring independence of anti-corruption agencies is fundamental for Ukraine's democratic development and public trust.
The school expressed its gratitude to all who refused to support the destruction of over a decade of efforts to build an independent justice system.
The background to this conflict traces back to July 22, when Verkhovna Rada approved Bill №12414 in its second reading.
The law introduces changes to the criminal procedural code concerning pre-trial investigations related to missing persons during wartime, putting NABU and SAP under the authority of the Prosecutor General, which undermines their independence.
The reaction from leaders of anti-corruption agencies and the international community was swift: top organizations called on President Zelensky not to sign this law, warning that it could dismantle Ukraine’s anti-corruption framework.
The ambassadors of G7 countries and the European Union expressed deep concern about ongoing actions that threaten Ukraine's reputation in fighting corruption.