Fresh curbs on anti-graft agencies spark backlash

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill on Tuesday revoking the autonomy of two anti-corruption agencies, a proposal that has sparked rare street protests in Kyiv and alarm among the country’s international backers.

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Critics say the legislation consolidates power in Mr Zelensky’s hands and will allow government meddling in high-profile graft cases.

The European Union called the decision a “serious step back”, while hundreds gathered in central Kyiv to oppose the measure — a show of anti-government anger rarely seen since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Lawmakers in Ukraine's parliament voted 263 to 13 to approve the bill, the majority of those in favour being from Mr Zelensky’s ruling party. Mr Zelensky later signed the bill into law, a senior official told AFP.