Today’s vote in the Verkhovna Rada was telling.
The rushed adoption of Draft Law No. 12414 in record time dismantles the independence of not only NABU and SAPO but also of every prosecutor. This marks a regression to the 2012 status quo, when “justice” was merely nominal, and the prosecutorial system served as a tool of political influence. Ukraine’s political history will remember this as an example of remarkable political myopia and shooting oneself in the foot.
A sovereign, independent Parliament and people’s deputies (including USPS alumni) should have prevented this.
The Ukrainian School of Political Studies has always stood for the values of Ukraine’s democratic and European development and the principles of accountability to both the Community and Ukrainian society. We have repeatedly stated that those whose actions contradict these values can no longer remain part of our Community.
Six USPS alumni voted in favour of this shameful draft law:
- Oleksandr Danutsa (2008 alumnus);
- Serhii Yevtushok (2011 alumnus);
- Larysa Bilozir (2017 alumna);
- Dmytro Kysylevskyi (2017 alumnus);
- Maria Mezentseva (2018 alumna);
- Dmytro Natalukha (2018 alumnus);
- Tamila Tasheva (2021 alumna).
USPS has decided to expel them from the Community. While we acknowledge their past contributions, fundamental values cannot be compromised.
We thank everyone who refused to vote for the destruction of over a decade of efforts to build an independent judiciary.
