**Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Bodies Face Destruction as Parliament Passes Controversial Bill**
In a country still reeling from the devastating effects of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainians have taken to the streets in protest against a bill that would effectively destroy two key anti-corruption bodies. The rallies, which took place on July 22 in Kyiv and other major cities, marked the first country-wide protests since the war began.
The bill, which was approved by parliament with a majority of 263 votes, would grant the prosecutor general significant powers to interfere with the work of NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau) and SAPO (State Bureau of Investigation). Critics argue that this would dismantle crucial safeguards protecting these bodies from political influence. The measure is now awaiting President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision on whether to sign or veto it.
In Kyiv, protesters gathered in the capital, carrying flags and handmade signs as they chanted slogans such as “Get your hands off NABU and SAP,” “Veto the law,” and “No corruption in government.” The atmosphere was spirited and defiant, with chants of “Power belongs to the people” and periodic renditions of the national anthem. Journalists on the scene reported a diverse crowd of veterans, active-duty soldiers, and civilians.
Similar protests erupted in the western city of Lviv, where hundreds of people gathered on Svobody Avenue, chanting “Shame!” and “Corruption is the death of the future.” Demonstrators stood around a statue of Ukraine’s revered poet, Taras Shevchenko, holding signs urging President Zelensky to block the law.
The protests reflect growing concerns that Ukraine’s anti-corruption drive – a core condition for EU membership and international aid – is under threat. The move has drawn criticism from Kyiv’s international partners, with European Commissioner Marta Kos expressing “serious concern” over the bill’s adoption. “Independent bodies like NABU and SAPO are essential for Ukraine’s EU path,” she wrote on X.
In a statement, NABU described the changes as the “destruction of [its] independence and practically subordinate[ing] their activities to the prosecutor general.” The agency warned that this would lead to the destruction of Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure, built since 2015. The protests are a clear indication that Ukrainians will not stand idly by while their country’s hard-won progress is undermined.
**What does this mean for Ukraine and its people?**
The passage of this bill marks a worrying trend in Ukraine’s politics. As the country struggles to recover from the devastating effects of war, it is more crucial than ever that anti-corruption bodies remain independent and effective. The EU has made clear that rule of law remains at the center of accession negotiations, and any moves to undermine these institutions will only serve to further destabilize the country.
As protests continue to sweep across Ukraine, one thing is certain: the people will not go quietly into the night. They will demand that their leaders protect the gains they have made and uphold the principles of democracy and transparency. The world watches with bated breath as this crisis unfolds.
**Read More**
For more on this story and its implications for Ukraine’s anti-corruption drive, read our full report at [link to kyivindependent.com](https://kyivindependent.com/veto-the-law-wartime-protests-sweep-ukraine-after-parliament-passes-bill-weakening-anti-corruption-institutions/).
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