Mass protests across Ukraine: citizens demand restoration of powers for NABU and SAP due to legislative threats
In multiple cities across Ukraine, a wave of protests has erupted in response to recent legislative initiatives perceived as threats to the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP).
On Wednesday evening, residents of Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Odesa gathered outside administrative buildings to voice their opposition and concern over the deteriorating situation of these key anti-corruption bodies, which are currently under pressure for weakening.
Demonstrators are calling openly and loudly for the authorities to heed their voices and prevent the transformation of anti-corruption efforts into a mockery.
A notable event occurred in Kyiv, where despite adverse weather conditions, about 400 activists assembled near the Theater named after Frank, holding signs with slogans like “Power belongs to the people,” “Corruption kills,” and “Hands off NABU.” Near the Frank Theater, MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak also joined the rally, expressing confidence that the Verkhovna Rada would adopt the critical legislative bill No.13533 on July 31, aimed at restoring the powers of the anti-corruption agencies.
He sarcastically commented that this step will serve as another sign of the government’s effort to correct past mistakes and streamline the system, under the slogan “heroically, powerfully, and relentlessly,” with President Zelensky’s team leading this initiative.
In Zaporizhzhia, protesters gathered outside the regional administration building, holding posters with messages like “Abolish,” “Our voice is stronger,” and “Standing for democracy.” In Kharkiv, nearly two hundred people participated in the protest held in the city center, shouting slogans such as “Corruption kills,” “Ukrainian authorities belong to the people,” and “Hands off NABU.” Background information reveals that the relevant parliamentary committee supported the president’s bill №12414, which amended the Criminal Procedure Code, making NABU and SAP dependent on the Prosecutor General’s decisions, triggering protests across numerous Ukrainian cities.
Subsequently, Zelensky signed this legislation.
In response, the president introduced a new bill claiming it would ensure the rule of law and preserve the independence of anti-corruption institutions.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau stated that the draft law seeks to restore all authorities and guarantees of independence for NABU and SAP, aiming to safeguard the fight against corruption and maintain institutional sovereignty in this crucial sector.