Threat to the Independence of Anti-Corruption Bodies: MPs Prepare to Challenge Law in the Constitutional Court
The independence of key anti-corruption institutions like the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) is under serious threat amidst recent legislative developments in Ukraine.
Members of the 'Holos' faction are mobilizing efforts to file a constitutional complaint with the Constitutional Court of Ukraine to challenge Draft Law No.
12414.
Approved by the Verkhovna Rada on July 22, 2023, and signed into law by President Zelensky the same day, this legislation effectively undermines the autonomy of these anti-corruption agencies.
It grants the Office of the Prosecutor General unrestricted access to criminal case materials and enables the seizure of cases from NABU and SAP for transfer to other investigative bodies, including the potential issuance of suspicions against high-ranking officials and decisions to close cases involving top officials.
International and domestic observers express concern that these measures could lead to the usurpation of authority by Prosecutor Ruslan Krachko, threatening the foundational principles of judicial independence.
European Commission officials, including EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Cygan, have condemned these reforms as a significant regression in the rule of law, jeopardizing Ukraine's EU accession prospects.
In response, activists and parliamentary opponents are rallying support to oppose the dismantling of anti-corruption safeguards.
Current developments suggest a worrying shift toward increased centralization of power and potential rollback of reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability.
As the situation unfolds, Ukraine faces critical choices that will influence its future integration into European institutions and its fight against corruption.