South Korea's main opposition People Power Party (PPP) plans to file a constitutional complaint this week or early next week against a recent legal revision that abolishes prosecutors' direct investigative authority. The PPP argues the revision conflicts with prosecutors' constitutional rights and weakens victim protection.
The legal challenge by the opposition party highlights a significant political and institutional conflict over prosecutorial powers in South Korea, potentially impacting the balance of power within the justice system and future investigations.
SEOUL, Aug. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's main opposition People Power Party (PPP) is preparing to file a constitutional complaint against a recently approved legal revision that strips prosecutors of their direct investigative powers. A party official stated the complaint would be filed within the week or by early next week at the latest.
The PPP has expressed strong opposition to the revision of the Criminal Procedure Act, arguing that it infringes upon prosecutors' constitutionally recognized right to request warrants and could weaken protections for victims. PPP floor leader Jeong Jeom-sig emphasized that the change undermines the country's criminal justice system by removing essential checks and balances between the prosecution, police, and courts.
The bill, which passed the Cabinet last week despite calls for a presidential veto from the PPP, is scheduled to take effect on October 2. Following the revision, prosecutors will no longer conduct direct investigations, including supplementary ones, with investigative authority resting solely with the police. Prosecutors will be able to request the police to carry out such investigations, which the police will have up to two months to complete.
President Lee Jae Myung, however, has defended the revision, asserting that prosecutors have historically wielded excessive authority. The PPP has also voiced concerns that the revision could potentially benefit President Lee, who has been involved in several trials.