Parliament rejects draft law on criminal liability for publishing registry data

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine failed to adopt draft law No. 10242, which would have criminalized the publication of confidential information from public registers.

The draft law was supported by 213 MPs.

It should be noted that this initiative was criticized by Ukrainian and foreign journalists, who saw it as a tool for intimidation and repression against media professionals. In particular, the international movement Amnesty International called the draft law a violation of journalists' rights and a threat to media freedom in Ukraine.

"It poses a serious danger to the protection of sources of information, and calls into question the ability of journalists to fulfill their professional duties. It can become a tool for intimidation and repression against those who reveal facts of corruption and abuse of power," said Veronica Welch, Director of Amnesty International Ukraine.

The draft law was also criticized by the Media Movement. Journalists and human rights activists noted that the draft law does not provide any protection mechanisms for those who disclose confidential information of public importance.

"Even if there is a public need for disclosure, the provisions of the Laws of Ukraine "On Information" and "On Access to Public Information", which are designed to protect the disclosure of such information, may not be sufficient to protect journalists in courts when using the updated version of Article 361-2 of the Criminal Code. The transformation of such offenses into serious crimes opens up the possibility of using covert investigative actions against journalists, including wiretapping and surveillance, which significantly violates the standards of protection of information sources. The strengthening of criminal liability should be accompanied by the creation of reliable mechanisms for the protection of journalists and corruption whistleblowers. Legislation that restricts public control over the authorities and contributes to an atmosphere of fear among journalists not only harms democracy but also undermines trust in state institutions," noted Mediarukh.

The document was registered in the parliament on November 9, 2023, and is currently being prepared for a second reading and is being promoted under the guise of meeting the requirements of the European Union.

Кирило Бойко