The first draft law equating corruption to treason during a state of martial law has been introduced in the Verkhovna Rada. The initiative was registered by Deputy Dmitry Razumkov along with his parliamentary group. This occurred after President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the submission of his own corresponding draft law to the Rada.
Razumkov informed about this on his Facebook page.
"The 'Smart Politics' team has registered draft law No. 9659, which amends the Criminal Code with Article 111-3, equating the punishment for corruption to that for treason during a state of martial law. Corrupt officials could face 15 years behind bars or life imprisonment with confiscation," said Razumkov.
The deputy added that, according to his proposal, the cases of corrupt officials would be handled by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, and the High Anti-Corruption Court, rather than the Security Service of Ukraine. Razumkov explained this decision by pointing out that central authorities could exert pressure on opponents and cover up their own corruption through the Security Service.
Additionally, according to Razumkov, the draft law provides for the accountability of every high-ranking official and mid-level civil servant, including members of parliament, the prime minister, government officials, representatives of the President's Office, and the president himself.
During an interview on August 27, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that during a state of war in Ukraine, corruption could be equated to treason. According to him, such a measure cannot be in effect permanently in society, but it could be helpful during times of war.
Zelensky mentioned that it is not yet clear whether the members of parliament will support such a decision, but it will definitely be proposed. After all, Ukraine is currently developing the most democratic society, as per Zelensky's remarks
