Key facts
- Acting Prosecutor General Koo Ja-hyeon voiced deep concern about a bill to abolish the prosecution's investigative powers.
- The ruling Democratic Party aims to pass the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, removing supplementary investigative authority.
- Koo warned that the proposed changes could lead to concealed truths and a collapsed criminal justice system.
- He emphasized that reforms should focus on protecting citizens from crime.
Acting Prosecutor General Koo Ja-hyeon has voiced significant concern regarding a legislative push by South Korea's ruling Democratic Party to strip the prosecution of its investigative powers. The proposed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act would eliminate the prosecution's direct and supplementary investigation authorities.
In a statement, Koo expressed deep worry about the ongoing parliamentary discussions, particularly the abolition of the prosecution's supplementary investigative role, which is intended to aid victims in criminal cases. He warned that such a move could lead to concealed truths and the collapse of the nation's criminal justice system, ultimately harming citizens who require state protection.
Koo highlighted that many believe the supplementary investigative power is crucial, with various societal sectors, including the legal community and victims' advocacy groups, sharing these concerns. He stressed that any reform should prioritize the protection of individuals from crimes over the mere elimination of prosecutorial authority.