Since the evening of July 22nd, Ukraine has seen widespread anti-government protests erupting in various cities, opposing President Zelensky's controversial bill that would strip Ukraine's top anti-corruption agency of its independent investigative powers.
In Kyiv, despite wartime curfews, thousands took to the streets overnight, gathering outside the presidential palace in the city center. They held up signs declaring \"Veto the Bill\" and \"Corruption = Death,\" chanting slogans like \"Shameful\" and calling Zelensky a \"devil.\" Protesters included civilians, soldiers from the military, and smaller groups in cities like Lviv, Dnipro, Odesa, and Sumy.
展开剩余84%This demonstration marks Ukraine's largest anti-government protest since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February 2022. As of now, the Zelensky administration has not issued any statement regarding the protests.
Just hours before the protests erupted, Ukraine's parliament passed legislation effectively eliminating the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and its associated Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), placing them under the jurisdiction of the Prosecutor General during wartime. Critics argue that since the Prosecutor General is directly appointed by the president, this move could allow the Zelensky government to exert greater influence and control over investigations, marking a significant setback in Ukraine's fight against corruption. Several UK media outlets revealed that the bill was hastily pushed through parliament under pressure from the presidential office, with parliament agreeing to expedite the bill for the president's signature. During the vote, lawmakers opposed to the bill shouted \"Shameful!\"
On July 21st, Ukraine's security forces raided both NABU and SAPO, core agencies responsible for anti-corruption efforts, accusing them of being infiltrated by Russian intelligence and some members colluding with Russia. This action raised external doubts, suggesting that investigations might have touched upon Zelensky's inner circle, with vague accusations potentially serving as an excuse to weaken anti-corruption institutions.
Despite public opposition, the latest updates from the Ukrainian parliament's website on the night of the 22nd indicate that Zelensky has signed the bill into law, with the presidential office yet to confirm.
As dusk fell on the 22nd, crowds gathered at Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kyiv. Over a decade ago, this same square hosted massive protests against former President Yanukovych's corruption, ultimately leading to his ouster. This time, most protesters are young and peaceful; there are almost no police on-site, only a few security personnel at the barricades outside the presidential palace.
\"It's a very sad moment because for me, it means we're back to debating the same issues,\" said former Ukrainian lawmaker Mustafa Nayem, who participated in protests against Yanukovych over a decade ago. \"It's very heartbreaking and very dangerous.\"
A woman named Amelina shared that her husband called from the frontlines, expressing unease over news of the parliamentary vote, a sentiment echoed by many other soldiers.
Dmytro Kozhyatynskyi, a veteran of the Russia-Ukraine war and a prominent figure among protesters, posted online: \"Tonight we must take to the streets to prevent Zelensky from repeating Yanukovych's mistakes. See you tonight!\"
Sashko Adamliuk, a 25-year-old protester from Kyiv, stated, \"Ukraine's fight is not just for territory. Our democracy is under attack.\" Like many at the protest, he fears that the Zelensky government is systematically suppressing dissent.
Oleksandr Tren, a 29-year-old veteran who lost both legs in combat, condemned the Ukrainian government's actions as an insult to all those who have made great sacrifices in the war. \"We are fighting to build a transparent government, and this decision will undermine the morale of soldiers fighting for Ukraine.\"
(Edited by Liu Zhenzhen)
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