Protests resume in Kyiv and other cities over anti-corruption bodies' powers
Photo: people in Kyiv protest against the law on NABU and SAPO (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Protests against the reduction of powers of NABU (the National Anti-Corruption Bureau) and SAP (Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office) continue in Kyiv and several other cities on Wednesday, July 30, according to RBC-Ukraine's correspondent and Radio Svoboda.
Protests in Kyiv
In Kyiv, protesters have once again gathered in the square near the Ivan Franko Theater. They are chanting slogans such as "Power is the people," "Hands off NABU," and "Corruption kills."
Protesters also sang the national anthem of Ukraine.
Photo: protests against the controversial law taking place in Kyiv (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
According to Radio Svoboda, around 400 people are taking part in the rally. Police and medical personnel are present at the scene.
Protests in other cities
In Zaporizhzhia, local residents have gathered to protest near the building of the regional military administration.
They are also chanting slogans such as "Our voice is stronger," "We stand for democracy," and "Hands off NABU."
According to unconfirmed reports, around 70 people are participating in the rally.
Meanwhile, in Kharkiv, around 200 people in the city center are chanting "Corruption kills," "Power in Ukraine belongs to the people," and "Hands off NABU."
Protests are also taking place in at least Lviv, Odesa, and Dnipro.
Law on NABU and SAP
The controversial law on NABU and SAP was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada last week. The document stipulated that these two key anti-corruption bodies would be placed under the control of the Prosecutor General.
Against this backdrop, European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier emphasized that Ukraine must preserve the independence of NABU and SAP. This is, in particular, a condition for EU membership.
Tomorrow, on July 31, the Rada is expected to vote on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s bill, which guarantees the independence of NABU and SAP. According to RBC-Ukraine sources, there should be enough votes to pass it.
