Latest news with #NABU
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Thousands gather to protest as Zelenskyy signs bill weakening anti-corruption agencies
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Thousands of people gathered in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine on Tuesday to urge the president to veto a controversial bill that threatens anti-corruption infrastructure. It marked the first major rally against the government in more than three years of war. Ukraine 's parliament passed legislation that will tighten oversight of two key anti-corruption agencies, which critics say could significantly weaken their independence and give President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's circle greater sway over investigations. Zelenskyy signed the bill into law, according to the parliament's website late Tuesday. Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial for Ukraine's bid to join the European Union and maintain access to billions of dollars in Western aid. The legislation's passage has triggered public outrage in Ukraine, with some saying it appeared to be a greater moral blow than the routine Russian drone and missile attacks. The changes would grant the prosecutor general new authority over investigations and cases handled by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). 'In effect, if this bill becomes law, the head of SAPO will become a nominal figure, while NABU will lose its independence and turn into a subdivision of the prosecutor general's office,' the agencies said in a joint statement on Telegram. In a post on X, the EU's Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos expressed concern over the vote in the parliament, called the Rada, calling it 'a serious step back.' Kos added: 'Independent bodies like NABU & SAPO are essential for Ukraine's EU path. Rule of Law remains in the very center of EU accession negotiations." While rallies have taken place during the war in Ukraine, they have largely focused on the return of prisoners of war or missing people. Protests, however, remain a traditional form of public pressure in Ukraine, where two previous revolutions were victorious for the public. 'Corruption is a problem in any country, and it must always be fought,' said Ihor Lachenkov, a blogger and activist who urged people to join the protest through his social media platforms, which reach more than 1.5 million followers. 'Ukraine has far fewer resources than Russia in this war," he said. "If we misuse them, or worse, allow them to end up in the pockets of thieves, our chances of victory diminish. All our resources must go toward the fight.' The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International criticized parliament's decision, saying it undermines one of the most significant reforms since what Ukraine calls its Revolution of Dignity in 2014 and damages trust with international partners. The group urged Zelenskyy to veto the law, warning that otherwise he would share responsibility with the Rada for "dismantling Ukraine's anti-corruption infrastructure.' Many protesters carried signs reading 'Veto the law,' 'Protect the anti-corruption system, protect Ukraine's future,' or simply 'We are against it.' The mood of anger and frustration among the war-weary Ukrainians prevailed in the crowd. Some protesters accused Ukraine's leadership of prioritizing loyalty and personal connections over the fight against corruption. 'Those who swore to protect the laws and the Constitution have instead chosen to shield their inner circle, even at the expense of Ukrainian democracy,' said veteran Oleh Symoroz, sitting in a wheelchair because both his legs were amputated after he was wounded in 2022. 'Instead of setting an example of zero tolerance for corruption, the president is using his power to take control of criminal cases involving his allies,' he said. On Monday, Ukraine's domestic security agency detained two NABU officials on suspicion of links to Russia and searched other agency employees on unrelated allegations. Zelenskyy's office didn't respond to a request for comment. Last week, the president carried out a reshuffle of his wartime Cabinet, a move widely viewed as further consolidating power within his inner circle. Hanna Arhirova And Vasilisa Stepanenko, The Associated Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Hill
27 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Thousands gather to protest as Zelenskyy signs bill weakening anti-corruption agencies
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Thousands of people gathered in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine on Tuesday to urge the president to veto a controversial bill that threatens anti-corruption infrastructure. It marked the first major rally against the government in more than three years of war. Ukraine 's parliament passed legislation that will tighten oversight of two key anti-corruption agencies, which critics say could significantly weaken their independence and give President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's circle greater sway over investigations. Zelenskyy signed the bill into law, according to the parliament's website late Tuesday. Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial for Ukraine's bid to join the European Union and maintain access to billions of dollars in Western aid. The legislation's passage has triggered public outrage in Ukraine, with some saying it appeared to be a greater moral blow than the routine Russian drone and missile attacks. The changes would grant the prosecutor general new authority over investigations and cases handled by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). 'In effect, if this bill becomes law, the head of SAPO will become a nominal figure, while NABU will lose its independence and turn into a subdivision of the prosecutor general's office,' the agencies said in a joint statement on Telegram. In a post on X, the EU's Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos expressed concern over the vote in the parliament, called the Rada, calling it 'a serious step back.' Kos added: 'Independent bodies like NABU & SAPO are essential for Ukraine's EU path. Rule of Law remains in the very center of EU accession negotiations.' While rallies have taken place during the war in Ukraine, they have largely focused on the return of prisoners of war or missing people. Protests, however, remain a traditional form of public pressure in Ukraine, where two previous revolutions were victorious for the public. 'Corruption is a problem in any country, and it must always be fought,' said Ihor Lachenkov, a blogger and activist who urged people to join the protest through his social media platforms, which reach more than 1.5 million followers. 'Ukraine has far fewer resources than Russia in this war,' he said. 'If we misuse them, or worse, allow them to end up in the pockets of thieves, our chances of victory diminish. All our resources must go toward the fight.' The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International criticized parliament's decision, saying it undermines one of the most significant reforms since what Ukraine calls its Revolution of Dignity in 2014 and damages trust with international partners. The group urged Zelenskyy to veto the law, warning that otherwise he would share responsibility with the Rada for 'dismantling Ukraine's anti-corruption infrastructure.' Many protesters carried signs reading 'Veto the law,' 'Protect the anti-corruption system, protect Ukraine's future,' or simply 'We are against it.' The mood of anger and frustration among the war-weary Ukrainians prevailed in the crowd. Some protesters accused Ukraine's leadership of prioritizing loyalty and personal connections over the fight against corruption. 'Those who swore to protect the laws and the Constitution have instead chosen to shield their inner circle, even at the expense of Ukrainian democracy,' said veteran Oleh Symoroz, sitting in a wheelchair because both his legs were amputated after he was wounded in 2022. 'Instead of setting an example of zero tolerance for corruption, the president is using his power to take control of criminal cases involving his allies,' he said. On Monday, Ukraine's domestic security agency detained two NABU officials on suspicion of links to Russia and searched other agency employees on unrelated allegations. Zelenskyy's office didn't respond to a request for comment. Last week, the president carried out a reshuffle of his wartime Cabinet, a move widely viewed as further consolidating power within his inner circle.
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Ukraine strips anti-corruption agencies of independence, EU slams move as 'serious step back'
Ukraine's Parliament has sparked controversy by ending the independence of its anti-corruption agencies, NABU and SAPO, placing them under executive control. This move, followed President Zelensky's signing of the bill into law, has drawn criticism from Western officials and anti-corruption activists, who fear it will hinder independent investigations and jeopardize Ukraine's EU bid and access to international loans. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Ukrainian Parliament has voted to end the independence of the country's key anti-corruption agencies, triggering protests, criticism from Western officials, and warnings of a rollback in governance standards, RT to RT, the Verkhovna Rada passed legislation on Tuesday that places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under executive oversight. Lawmakers opposing the measure reportedly shouted "shame!" as the vote result was that day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the bill into law. The move came just 24 hours after Ukraine's domestic security service raided the NABU headquarters and arrested two investigators, RT noted. The raids sparked concern from G7 ambassadors, who said they were "monitoring the situation."RT reported that anti-corruption activists have called the move an intentional effort to suppress independent probes. "This is about silencing NABU and SAPO as they close in on Zelensky's inner circle," the Anti-Corruption Action Center legislation, introduced by lawmakers from Zelensky's ruling party, was initially meant to revise Ukraine's criminal code under martial law. However, last-minute amendments were added to strip NABU and SAPO of their autonomy, according to Anastasia Radina criticised the bill, warning that it would "effectively dismantle" Ukraine's anti-corruption infrastructure, turning NABU and SAPO into "purely decorative institutions ... completely dependent on the will of the prosecutor-general," RT NABU and SAPO were established in 2015 under Western guidance to promote prosecutorial independence, a key requirement for Ukraine's EU accession talks and access to international loans. The NABU had received substantial support in terms of equipment and training from the US, UK, and EU, RT Commissioner Marta Kos condemned the legislation, calling the "dismantling of key safeguards protecting NABU's independence a serious step back." She added that "the rule of law remains central to Ukraine's EU bid."European Commission spokesman Guillaume Mercier said the agencies were "crucial" for fighting corruption and maintaining public trust. He further stated that Ukraine's EU accession would require "strong institutional resilience," and reminded that "EU aid remains tied to reforms," according to Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko dismissed the international backlash, saying corruption concerns were "overemphasised," and indicated that Kyiv would continue to seek additional support from the IMF.
Russia Today
an hour ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Zelensky defends clampdown on anti-corruption agencies
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has defended a controversial reform targeting the country's anti-corruption agencies, which has sparked street protests and raised concerns among EU officials. On Tuesday, Zelensky signed a bill into law granting the Prosecutor General's Office authority to intervene in the activities of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). The move followed a raid by security officials on NABU offices and the arrest of a senior employee accused of spying for Russia. Zelensky rejected accusations of creeping authoritarianism, which have been voiced by opposition politicians, including frequent critic and Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko. 'The anti-corruption infrastructure will work – just without Russian influence. It needs to be cleared of that. And there should be more justice,' Zelensky said in his daily video address early Wednesday. He added that it was 'not normal' for some officials to live abroad 'without legal consequences,' and criticized the failure to investigate corruption cases 'worth billions' over the years. 'There is no explanation for how the Russians are still able to obtain the information they need,' he said. Vasily Malyuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), whose agents conducted the searches involving NABU personnel, denied that the measures amounted to dismantling the anti-corruption system. He insisted that the agencies 'continue to function effectively.' NABU and SAPO were established following the US-backed 2014 coup in Kiev and promoted as key components of reforms intended to align Ukraine with Western governance standards and international financial institutions. However, some Western officials, including US Vice President J.D. Vance, have argued that the decade of transformation has failed to eliminate entrenched corruption. Darya Kalenyuk, executive director of the Kiev-based NGO Anti-Corruption Action Center, linked the government's clampdown to recent investigations involving members of Zelensky's team, including former Deputy Prime Minister Aleksey Chernyshov and media executive Timur Mindich. 'NABU has been closing in on members of Zelensky's inner circle and friends,' Kalenyuk said, as cited by the US state-funded outlet Current Time. She adding that the reform may be aimed at concealing the embezzlement of military funds.
Russia Today
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Zelensky's ‘authoritarian' move against anti-graft agencies sparks protests (VIDEOS)
Hundreds have protested in Kiev and other cities against a controversial decision to curtail the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies. 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 ❗️"Вимагаємо вето!" Львів'яни вийшли на захист незалежності НАБУ і САП. 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. '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.
