As a revision of the Criminal Procedure Act, which includes the complete abolition of prosecutorial investigation rights and an expansion of grounds for court dismissals, passed the Cabinet meeting on August 4, the Democratic Party expressed its support. In contrast, the opposition People Power Party, which has opposed the revision, reacted sharply, suggesting that expectations for the new law to function effectively should be abandoned.
Democratic Party spokesperson Park Hae-cheol stated in a written briefing, "This revision clarifies police responsibilities and strengthens cooperation and checks between agencies," adding that it is a reform of the criminal justice system aimed at better protecting the rights of crime victims.
He acknowledged public concerns about potential gaps in investigations and victim protection, assuring that the Democratic Party and the government would take full responsibility for subsequent legislation and institutional improvements to address these worries.
The Democratic Party plans to ensure that all cases involving seven major crimes against vulnerable groups will be forwarded through subsequent legislation. They also promised to review gaps in victim protection through an internal task force.
Kim Seung-won, the ruling party's representative on the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, emphasized, "There have been numerous cases where innocent citizens suffered due to the abuse of investigative powers by a politically motivated prosecution. If we do not break this cycle of tragedy now, the consequences will extend to future generations."
Conversely, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk pointed out in a meeting with reporters that President Lee Jae-myung had also expressed concerns about the abolition of supplementary investigation rights. He criticized the inclusion of a provision for dismissing charges that could absolve the president, stating, "The Democratic Party claims they will address issues, but the problems have already been revealed." He referenced the 'Jang Yoon-ki case' as a clear example and noted the emotional pleas of victims from the 'Busan kickback case.'
Floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik also criticized the move on his Facebook, stating, "Discussing checks and controls on the police while abolishing supplementary investigation rights is a bizarre contradiction akin to trying to extinguish a fire while pouring gasoline." He added that all responsibility for a potential crime crisis following the abolition of these rights lies with President Lee and the Democratic Party, asserting, "The president has sacrificed public safety for his own post-retirement security, and he will pay the price for it."
Additionally, chief spokesperson Park Chung-gwon raised concerns, calling it a "direct challenge to the public and judicial justice," while floor spokesperson Choi Eun-seok criticized the revision as a potential 'self-protection' measure aimed at the president's own trial, suggesting it raises suspicions of unconstitutional legislative maneuvering.
Democratic Party spokesperson Park Hae-cheol stated in a written briefing, "This revision clarifies police responsibilities and strengthens cooperation and checks between agencies," adding that it is a reform of the criminal justice system aimed at better protecting the rights of crime victims.
He acknowledged public concerns about potential gaps in investigations and victim protection, assuring that the Democratic Party and the government would take full responsibility for subsequent legislation and institutional improvements to address these worries.
The Democratic Party plans to ensure that all cases involving seven major crimes against vulnerable groups will be forwarded through subsequent legislation. They also promised to review gaps in victim protection through an internal task force.
Kim Seung-won, the ruling party's representative on the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, emphasized, "There have been numerous cases where innocent citizens suffered due to the abuse of investigative powers by a politically motivated prosecution. If we do not break this cycle of tragedy now, the consequences will extend to future generations."
Conversely, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk pointed out in a meeting with reporters that President Lee Jae-myung had also expressed concerns about the abolition of supplementary investigation rights. He criticized the inclusion of a provision for dismissing charges that could absolve the president, stating, "The Democratic Party claims they will address issues, but the problems have already been revealed." He referenced the 'Jang Yoon-ki case' as a clear example and noted the emotional pleas of victims from the 'Busan kickback case.'
Floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik also criticized the move on his Facebook, stating, "Discussing checks and controls on the police while abolishing supplementary investigation rights is a bizarre contradiction akin to trying to extinguish a fire while pouring gasoline." He added that all responsibility for a potential crime crisis following the abolition of these rights lies with President Lee and the Democratic Party, asserting, "The president has sacrificed public safety for his own post-retirement security, and he will pay the price for it."
Additionally, chief spokesperson Park Chung-gwon raised concerns, calling it a "direct challenge to the public and judicial justice," while floor spokesperson Choi Eun-seok criticized the revision as a potential 'self-protection' measure aimed at the president's own trial, suggesting it raises suspicions of unconstitutional legislative maneuvering.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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