The Blue House stated on July 31 that it respects the National Assembly's legislative process and final decision regarding the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law, which abolishes direct investigations and supplementary investigations by prosecutors.
Seong Gi-hong, the Blue House's Chief of Public Communication, emphasized in a media announcement that the amendment aims to prevent the monopolization and abuse of power by separating investigation and prosecution, while enhancing the protection of victims' and citizens' rights, bringing the criminal justice system closer to the public.
Seong also assured that the Blue House will do its utmost to ensure the smooth implementation of the amendment so that citizens can feel the changes in their daily lives.
On the same day, the National Assembly passed the amendment with 175 votes in favor, 2 against, and 1 abstention out of 178 present members. The opposition People Power Party, which opposed the bill, did not participate in the vote due to a filibuster.
The amendment stipulates the separation of investigation and prosecution, prohibiting prosecutors from conducting direct investigations or supplementary investigations on cases referred by the police. Prosecutors can request supplementary investigations from the police, who are required to complete these investigations and report the results within a month. The investigation period may be extended once if necessary.
In cases where the police do not refer a case, complainants and victims can file objections, and they are granted the right to access and copy case records. The amendment also allows courts to dismiss charges based on significant illegal investigations or if prosecutors deviate significantly from their prosecutorial discretion.
However, Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho, who has advocated for caution regarding the complete abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights during the legislative process, stressed the need to closely monitor potential side effects of the new system.
Immediately after the bill's passage, Jeong posted on Facebook, stating, "Now prosecutors cannot investigate. A fundamental change is beginning," and urged that if side effects arise unexpectedly, prompt corrections and adjustments should not be hesitated.
He added, "The success of reform depends not on merely changing the existing order but on how much it enriches and improves the lives of the people. The most important thing is whether it provides tangible benefits to the public and their livelihoods."
Jeong has previously expressed concerns that the complete abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights could lead to delays in case handling and gaps in protecting crime victims, advocating for retaining some authority. He also suggested implementing a 'full case referral' system, which would require the police to transfer all case records to the prosecution to prevent abuse of police power.
Jeong concluded by stating, "Reforms that prioritize ideals and principles without tangible results will be rejected by the public," and promised that the Ministry of Justice would strive to ensure that the new criminal justice system is evaluated as a successful reform through the realization of justice and protection of victims.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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