Kwak Sang-eon, the only member of the Democratic Party to oppose the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law aimed at abolishing supplementary investigation rights, stated, "I had no other choice."
On July 31, Kwak expressed his concerns on Facebook, saying, "I can see the suffering of the people, and I can hear their tears." Earlier that day, the amendment was passed with 175 votes in favor out of 178 present (2 opposed, 1 abstained). Kwak and Lee Joo-young from the Reform Party voted against it, while Lee So-young from the Democratic Party abstained.
The amendment is a follow-up to the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and Prosecution Act, which will take effect on October 2. It aims to completely separate investigation and prosecution, eliminating prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights and direct investigation powers. However, there are concerns regarding victim protection.
Meanwhile, lawmakers from the People Power Party, opposing the amendment, chose to abstain from the vote. Chief Spokesperson Choi Eun-seok criticized the Democratic Party, stating, "The Democratic Party, which has betrayed the people, will surely pay a price," adding that crime victims will now have no recourse other than vague expectations that the police will uncover the truth.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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