Ukraine marking 15th anniversary of Constitution

Ukraine on Tuesday is marking 15 years since its constitution was adopted.

The Constitution was approved on June 28, 1996, following debates between supporters of strong executive authority and lawmakers, who wanted the parliament to be vested with broad powers.

But the Constitution soon became a target of criticism for its alleged controversial content, given the haste in which it was passed. Opponents of constitutional amendments blamed their antagonists of attempting to strengthen the government to the detriment of parliament.

Ukrainian Constitution guarantees everyone the right to freedom of thought and religion (Article 35)