Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies welcome Zelenskyy's law reform initiative to safeguard their independence
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have welcomed an initiative by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to draft a law aimed at strengthening the rule of law while safeguarding the anti-corruption institutions’ independence.
Quote: "NABU and SAPO stand ready to engage in discussions and the drafting of a legislative measure that will dispel legal risks, uphold the standards of the rule of law, and unlock greater potential for ensuring justice in Ukraine.
We are grateful for the constructive dialogue and meetings that help us to work together."
Details: The anti-corruption agencies firmly believe that safeguarding the independence of detectives and prosecutors "is a key condition for the effective investigation of corruption crimes and the fulfilment of Ukraine’s international commitments".
Background:
- On 21 July, employees of the Security Service of Ukraine and the Prosecutor General's Office conducted approximately 80 searches targeting 19 employees of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau in various oblasts of Ukraine.
- On 22 July, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) voted in favour of draft law No. 12414, making NABU and SAPO dependent on the decisions of the prosecutor general. Zelenskyy signed it into law that evening.
- Protests were held in many cities across Ukraine after the law was passed.
- Following a meeting that brought the heads of Ukraine’s law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies together, Zelenskyy said everyone has agreed to work "purely constructively".
- At the meeting, the heads of NABU and SAPO stressed that the legislative changes enacted the previous day severely curtail their independence and vowed to persevere in safeguarding the professional capacities of both bodies.
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