Ukrainian lawmakers have approved a law restricting the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). This law places the Prosecutor-General in effective control of SAPO and permits closure of cases involving top officials. Transparency International Ukraine criticized this move, asserting it undermines public trust and international partnerships. The changes follow a crackdown on NABU, including arrests of officials suspected of criminal ties. As such, the future effectiveness of Ukraine's anti-corruption measures appears jeopardized.
Transparency International Ukraine stated, "With this decision, Parliament not only strips society of one of the greatest achievements since the Revolution of Dignity -- independent anti-corruption institutions -- but also undermines the trust of Ukraine's international partners."
The law brought forward by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's party limits the independence of NABU and SAPO, effectively allowing the Prosecutor-General control over key anti-corruption processes.
A total of 263 deputies in the 450-seat Verkhovna Rada voted for the law, troubling many who see it as a reversal of anti-corruption progress made in Ukraine.
The legal changes follow a crackdown on NABU, with arrests and searches of officials leading to concerns about the integrity and future of Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts.
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