Zelensky’s New Draft Law: Polygraph Tests Instead of Trust or a New Step in Oversight of Anti-Corruption Bodies
A new bill initiated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has come into effect, significantly altering the approach to supervising officials of anti-corruption agencies, particularly NAБУ and SAP.
According to this document, employees of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau who have access to state secrets are required to undergo polygraph examinations, with the process repeated every two years.
Notably, this rule applies exclusively to NAБУ personnel and does not extend to prosecutors of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, raising questions about transparency and security.
Following the law's adoption, mass protests erupted in several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, as citizens voiced dissatisfaction with changes perceived as weakening the independence of these agencies.
Meanwhile, Zelensky announced he is preparing a new bill aimed at strengthening the rule of law, ensuring the independence of anti-corruption bodies, and safeguarding the system from foreign influence, especially Russia.
The European Union and international partners expressed concerns over these developments, suggesting they could undermine democratic principles and the supremacy of law in Ukraine.
Critics argue that these legislative steps and procedures may serve political goals, possibly leading to increased control over agency independence and posing risks of authoritarian practices.
Experts from France, Poland, and Ukrainian opposition politicians suggest that the ongoing processes surrounding NAБУ and SAP could aim to restrict the independence of these institutions, potentially reducing public influence in combating corruption.
Such developments raise serious concerns about Ukraine's democratic trajectory and the future of judicial independence in the country.