Zelensky signs new law on independence of NABU and SAPO
31 July 15:44
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a new law that restores independence to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP). The document, initiated by the President himself, was supported by the Verkhovna Rada on July 31 with 331 votes.
Zelenskyy announced this in a video address, and the corresponding status appeared on the parliament’s website – “returned with the signature of the President of Ukraine.”
The Head of State thanked the MPs for their support and noted that the law would be immediately published in the official newspaper Holos Ukrayiny. Ukraine’s international partners will also be informed about the adoption of the law.
“This is a guarantee of normal, independent work of anti-corruption bodies. It is very important that the government listens to public opinion. Ukraine is a democracy – there is no doubt about it,” Zelensky emphasized.
What the law changes
According to document 13533, the SAPO is no longer subordinate to the Prosecutor General. It also limits the Prosecutor General’s influence on NABU, guarantees the SAPO’s institutional independence, and simplifies the procedure for appointing anti-corruption prosecutors.
The law is also positioned to protect the anti-corruption system from possible Russian influence.
This law was a reaction to public outrage. Zelenskyy signed the previous law, which limited the independence of NABU and SAPO, on July 22 after a lightning-fast vote in the Rada. It was passed without proper discussion – during the second reading, MPs added amendments that directly affected the anti-corruption agencies.
Amid the scandal, the NABU and the SAPO were searched, and a number of detectives were served with suspicion notices. At the same time, massive protests were held across the country demanding that the law be vetoed.
The new law aims to restore balance in the law enforcement system and meet the expectations of society and international partners.
