Ukraine Faces Nationwide Protests Over Anti-Corruption Agency Crackdown
Nationwide protests have erupted across Ukraine following the controversial passage of a law by President Volodymyr Zelensky, undermining the independence of two essential anti-corruption bodies. The law, which places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) under the direct control of the Prosecutor General, has sparked widespread indignation and significant concerns among Ukraine's European Union allies.
The Controversial Law and its Implications
The law, identified as Law 12414, grants judicial control power on challenging cases to the Prosecutor General, a political appointee. Critics of the law argue that this new legislation threatens the independence of the two anti-corruption bodies, potentially rendering them purely decorative.
Zelensky's decision came after security raids on NABU, which he claimed were subject to Russian influence. However, this move has not only sparked civil unrest but also drawn criticism from Kiev's Mayor, who joined the protesters against the crackdown on anti-corruption agencies.
The Nationwide Protests
The reaction to the passage of the law was swift and widespread, with protests reported in cities across Ukraine, including Kiev, Dnepr, Lvov, Chernigov, and Ternopol, among others. According to Ukrainian police, over 9,000 people protested in Kiev alone against the crackdown on anti-corruption agencies. Protesters have warned that they will organize protests every day if their demands are not met.
International Backlash
Internationally, the law has brought on concerns and warnings from Ukraine's European allies. In particular, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, has urged Zelensky to respect the rule of law and has sought explanations for the crackdown on the country's anti-corruption agencies. The European Commission sees these agencies as key conditions for Kiev's EU membership bid and continued Western aid.
The Kremlin, on the other hand, has described the protests as an internal affair, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighting that Kiev's Western backers are right to be concerned about rampant graft in the country.
Conclusion
The controversial law and the subsequent protests represent a significant challenge for Zelensky's administration. With the risk to Ukraine's EU bid and international backlash, coupled with widespread domestic protests, the future of this legislation, and its impact on Ukraine's fight against corruption, remains uncertain.