Protests Against Law №12414: Have Authorities Halted Their Push to Limit NAБУ and SAP?
In recent days of July, Ukraine has become a battleground for massive rallies and protests that shook public opinion and revealed the level of societal discontent with the legislative act №12414 adopted by the parliament. Signed by the president, this law sparked outrage for its role in restricting the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office. Demonstrations in Kyiv, held near Ivan Franko Theatre, gathered hundreds of young activists, war veterans, and concerned citizens. Protest signs with bold slogans and heartfelt condemnations became a common feature of this movement. Emotional moments also emerged from creative interpretations of the death of legendary rock musician Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on the first day of protests. Activists expressed their disagreement with the law, displaying posters and shouting critical messages. According to estimates, the first day of protests, July 22, saw up to five thousand participants in Kyiv, with even more joining the next day. The protests involved numerous young people, veterans, and activists across Ukrainian cities, demonstrating that public dissatisfaction with the government persists. By July 23, activity was at its peak as streets across Ukraine were filled with demonstrators voicing their opposition to efforts that sought to limit the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and SAP. Meanwhile, a new bill №13533 proposes to strengthen these agencies’ powers by revoking the provisions canceled by the previous law. These events highlight the ongoing struggle in Ukraine to preserve the independence of anti-corruption institutions, with future developments dependent on political will and the course of further political processes.