Ukraine’s Parliament approved Bill 13533, reestablishing the full independence of its anti-corruption bodies NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau) and SAPO (Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office). The law reverses a controversial decision made earlier in July that had curtailed their autonomy and sparked massive protests, both domestically and internationally.
Context: What Prompted the Legislative Reversal?
Just days earlier, the Ukrainian government passed Law No. 4555-IX (Bill 12414), which effectively placed NABU and SAPO under the influence of the prosecutor-general. Critics, including legal experts and anti-corruption watchdogs, viewed this move as a threat to institutional integrity and democratic accountability.
Public Reaction:
- Widespread civil protests erupted across Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv, and Dnipro.
- Protesters demanded an immediate reversal, warning that Ukraine’s international credibility and fight against corruption were under threat.
International Response:
- The European Union and international financial backers expressed serious concern.
- Ukraine’s progress toward EU membership was explicitly tied to the independence of its anti-graft institutions.
Highlights of the Restorative Bill (No. 13533)
1. NABU & SAPO Jurisdiction Fully Reinstated
- NABU retains exclusive authority over investigating top-level corruption.
- SAPO resumes autonomous decision-making, including prosecution strategies and investigative approvals.
2. Limitations on Prosecutor-General’s Role
- The bill removes the prosecutor-general’s ability to influence SAPO’s internal decisions.
- Administrative control and procedural directives now fall solely under SAPO’s head.
3. Urgent Search Protocols Defined
- Urgent searches without a court warrant are allowed only in exceptional scenarios like imminent threat or direct pursuit of a suspect.
- Critics caution this provision may still conflict with Article 30 of the Ukrainian Constitution.
4. Security Integrity Measures Introduced
- Mandatory polygraph tests are instituted for NABU and SAPO officials handling classified information, aimed at identifying potential infiltration risks.
5. Concerns Still Linger
- Some provisions lack clarity on mid-level appointments and administrative oversight, leaving gaps that civil society organizations urge Parliament to address further.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 22, 2025 | Law No. 4555-IX passed, reducing independence of NABU and SAPO |
| July 23–25 | Protests erupt; EU and civil society condemn the move |
| July 24, 2025 | President Zelenskyy pledges to reverse the decision |
| July 31, 2025 | Bill 13533 passed by 331 lawmakers; full independence restored |
Polygraph Requirement Scrutinized
The introduction of polygraph testing, although intended to bolster internal security, has raised civil liberties concerns. Legal experts argue that without oversight, such measures may become intrusive rather than effective.
Search Clause Remains Controversial
The urgent-search rule, while framed as a national security safeguard, still lacks robust judicial safeguards. Legal analysts urge future revisions to align it with constitutional protections.
Power Dynamics Behind the Law
Behind-the-scenes reports suggest the earlier rollback law may have aimed to curb investigations into high-ranking officials close to the President, raising concerns about political shielding.
Global and Domestic Implications
- EU Accession Path Realigned: The rollback had threatened Ukraine’s standing with the EU. The restoration of NABU and SAPO’s independence now realigns the country with its reform commitments.
- Public Trust Recalibrated: While the government has acted swiftly to correct course, public vigilance and civil society pressure were the decisive forces behind the reversal.
- Watchdog Groups Still Wary: Groups like Transparency International and Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC) are pushing for additional legal safeguards and permanent institutional reforms.
Final Takeaway
Ukraine’s swift reversal of a legislative misstep underscores the enduring power of civil pressure, legal integrity, and global accountability. While institutional independence has been restored for now, the onus remains on lawmakers and watchdogs to seal remaining gaps and ensure long-term transparency.
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