Protests Against Law Stripping Anti-Corruption Bodies Of Independence

KYIV, UKRAINE - JULY 31: Activists with banners rally near the Verkhovna Rada to protest a law that restricts the independence of anti-corruption institutions on July 31, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine. On July 22, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed draft law No. 12414, which limits the activities of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, previously independent bodies. These institutions, originally established to combat high-level corruption, are now subordinate to the Prosecutor General, who is appointed by the President. Amid the protests, in his address on July 23, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi announced that a bill is being prepared to repeal the restrictions imposed on NABU and SAPO by the earlier law No. 12414. On July 31, the Verkhovna Rada passed a bill restoring the independence of NABU and SAPO. (Photo by Artem Gvozdkov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)