Unrest and restoration of anti-corruption institutions in Ukraine’
The Moscow-based Izvestia newspaper wrote in an analysis this morning: The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Thursday approved the bill proposed by the president of the country on restoring the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Department and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, with 331 deputies voting in favor. Volodymyr Zelensky immediately signed the law.
However, it is important to note that, according to the resolution, within six months of the law coming into force, the Security Service of Ukraine must thoroughly check employees of the National Anti-Corruption Department, the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the police and other institutions that have access to state secrets for “possible actions in favor of Russia.”
The law limiting the powers of the National Anti-Corruption Department and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office came into effect on July 23, while its adoption led to mass protests in Kiev and other major Ukrainian cities.
It is not surprising that yesterday’s session of parliament was also accompanied by mass protests. While the bill was being considered, public protests continued, with several hundred citizens gathering in front of the parliament building since the morning of July 31.
Some members of the Ukrainian parliament have noted that restoring the independence of these two institutions will likely lead to the disclosure of major corruption scandals in the country shortly, which could cost Volodymyr Zelensky dearly. Experts believe that despite the restoration of independence to these anti-corruption institutions, the unrest in the country will not end anytime soon.
Earlier, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service reported that representatives of the United States and Great Britain discussed the issue of replacing Volodymyr Zelensky in the highest government positions during a secret meeting with members of the Ukrainian leadership.