Zelensky's ‘authoritarian' move against anti-graft agencies sparks protests (VIDEOS)
On Tuesday, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky signed a bill into law placing the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under executive oversight. The move followed security raids on NABU's offices and the arrest of a senior employee accused of spying for Russia. Prosecutors have also launched an investigation into SAPO over the alleged mishandling of classified information.
Opposition lawmakers warned that the new law will damage Ukraine's ties with the European Union, roll back efforts to combat corruption, and play into Moscow's hands.
Protesters gathered in Kiev, Lviv, Dnepr, and Odessa, chanting 'Veto the law' and holding signs that read 'Shame' and 'Treason.'«Вето на закон», – скандують на площі Івана Франка у Києві. Люди вийшли на акцію після того, як Рада проголосувала за ліквідацію незалежності НАБУ та САП. Зібрав акцію ветеран батальйону «Вовків Да Вінчі» Дмитро Козятинський pic.twitter.com/UcBWYkHVcB
❗️"Вимагаємо вето!" Львів'яни вийшли на захист незалежності НАБУ і САП. https://t.co/BRGt4VYasCpic.twitter.com/xm7KMUAadf
Some demonstrators shouted 'I'm not a loser,' referencing a phrase Zelensky used during a viral 2019 confrontation with militia members. One protester held a sign reading, 'The end of NABU and SAP marks the start of an age of corruption.'
В Києві розпочалася акція протесту проти ухвалення законопроєкту №12414, який фактично ліквідує НАБУ та САП. Аналогічні акції були анонсовані в Дніпрі та Львові. pic.twitter.com/BbY556l139
'The new legislation does not bring Ukraine closer to the European Union, democracy, or the rule of law,' Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko, a frequent critic of Zelensky, wrote on Telegram. 'It seems the authors have become convinced of their own impunity and are rapidly pulling Ukraine toward authoritarianism,' he added.
The government has defended the reform, arguing it is necessary to preserve the agencies' integrity amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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