The public movement Manifest-42 has appealed to the Verkhovna Rada urging the withdrawal of bill No. 11443 from consideration, which, according to the movement's assessment, grants law enforcement officials the authority to initiate "activity restrictions" on any business at their discretion for the purpose of criminal proceedings, stated movement member and owner of TK-Group, Alexander Sokolovsky.
"As if we didn't have enough problems, today the Verkhovna Rada plans to vote in the second reading to finalize the bill on amendments to the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine (CCU and CPCU - IF-U). Some of its provisions could lead to the blocking of any enterprise in what can be described as a 'manual mode'," - wrote Sokolovsky on Facebook on Tuesday.
He emphasizes that if adopted, the legal entity’s activities could be restricted if the prosecutor or investigator has "sufficient grounds to believe" that actions aimed at "obstructing criminal proceedings" may be carried out on behalf of or in the interests of the legal entity.
"Moreover, referring to 'sufficient grounds to believe', the investigator or prosecutor will have grounds to consider cases WITHOUT summoning a representative of the legal entity!" - he expressed his outrage.
Among the consequences of the bill's adoption, Sokolovsky notes interference in the economic activities of enterprises, job losses, and the prohibition of participation in public procurement during wartime, which would halt the supply of necessary equipment and ammunition.
Additionally, he describes the bill as a tool for exerting pressure on businesses and a basis for new corruption schemes.
As reported, bill No. 11443 aims to align the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes and other laws with international standards concerning the liability of legal entities for committing corruption-related criminal offenses.
It was adopted by the parliament in the first reading on October 29.
Among the authors of the bill are Sergey Ionushas (Servant of the People faction), Grigory Mamka (Deputy Group "Platform for Life and Peace"), Vladimir Areshonkov (Trust Group), and First Deputy Speaker Alexander Korniyenko.
In turn, Sokolovsky reminds that the document allows law enforcement to initiate a temporary ban, particularly on participation in public procurement, use of licenses, participation in the privatization of communal or state property or its lease, purchasing government bonds, and engaging in joint company activities.
He also notes that "temporary restrictions on obtaining rights and benefits" are provided, specifically prohibiting the receipt of any benefits and assets from the state and society; attracting, using, and utilizing funds from international technical and financial organizations; receiving government assistance; and acquiring the status of a resident of "Diia City."
"Manifest 42" was created by businesses in the summer of 2023 with the stated goal of protecting against the arbitrariness of rear security forces, corrupt officials, judges, "black" notaries, and registrars. It has been signed by 42 representatives of enterprises and investors, including the head of the Association of Entrepreneurs of ATO Veterans Sergey Poznyak, owner of Concord Capital Igor Mazepa, co-owner of Nemiroff Yakov Gribov, CEO of "OKKO" Vasily Daniilyak, president of "Obolon" Alexander Slobodyan, co-owner of "Dobrobut" clinics Oleg Kalashnikov, and heads of "Farmak" Filya Zhebrovskaya and "Astarta" Viktor Ivanchik.