The Center for Civil Liberties, a human rights organization that won the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, has issued a formal request to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to exercise his veto power over a new law governing the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NAB-Corruption Bureau) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). The law, known as No. 12414, has been passed by the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, and has sparked intense debate over its potential impact on judicial independence and corruption control.
The organization argues that the law’s provisions could compromise the autonomy of these anti-corruption bodies, potentially leading to politicization of their operations. Civil society groups have expressed concern that the measure may undermine Ukraine’s efforts to combat graft and ensure transparency in its judicial system. Zelenskyy faces a critical decision as the country continues to grapple with the legacy of systemic corruption in its political and institutional frameworks.
While the law’s exact provisions remain under review, the Center for Civil Liberties emphasizes the importance of safeguarding institutional integrity and maintaining public trust in anti-corruption mechanisms. The organization’s appeal underscores the ongoing tension between strengthening accountability measures in Ukraine and protecting the independence of prosecutorial and judicial institutions. As the situation develops, the response of the Ukrainian government could have significant implications for the country’s anti-corruption reforms and its reputation in international anti-graft efforts.