Members of the ruling coalition in the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee refuted claims on July 29 that lawmakers from the People Power Party are spreading falsehoods regarding the criminal procedure bill. They specifically addressed the opposition's assertion of a 'forceful passage' by stating, 'The People Power Party, which was absent from the committee meeting, should apologize.'
During a press briefing before the committee's full meeting, they accused the People Power Party of once again engaging in false propaganda that creates public anxiety. 'A party that made a president through lies is now distorting even the prosecution reform to deceive the public,' they said.
Kim Seung-won, the ruling party's committee secretary, stated, 'The claim that the Democratic Party unilaterally forced the passage of the criminal procedure bill is not true. We have discussed the bill in depth over 13 sessions. The People Power Party should apologize for their absence.'
In response to the opposition's claim that the abolition of supplementary investigative rights disregards human rights, Kim questioned whether they had even read the bill. He explained, 'The bill significantly strengthens victim relief procedures and enhances the transparency and accountability of police investigations. It is a law that strengthens the rights of the people.'
Kim also countered the assertion that the People Power Party would be unable to correct police investigations if the bill is passed, stating, 'Prosecutors will collaborate closely with investigations from the warrant application stage. They can adequately oversee police investigations through requests for supplementary investigations and fact-checking.'
He highlighted the recent case of child sexual exploitation in Cheongju, where prosecutors rejected requests for arrest and communication warrants, emphasizing, 'The real issue is the irresponsibility of the prosecution. The Democratic Party will not waver in its commitment to prosecutorial reform and the normalization of the criminal justice system, despite any distortions or propaganda.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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