The Democratic Party of Korea withdrew a bill on September 10 that aimed to strip special prosecutors of their investigative powers just one day after its introduction. The party explained that the inclusion of the special prosecutor law in the revision of 140 bills was a result of the overall adjustment process in line with the amended Criminal Procedure Act.
Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized the Democratic Party during a press conference at the National Assembly, stating, "The Democratic Party monopolizes investigations and prosecutions through three major special prosecutors, and now they are attempting to strip the investigative powers of special prosecutors in the most serious case of infringing on citizens' voting rights."
Earlier, on September 8, lawmakers including Kim Yong-min introduced a bill to amend the law regarding the appointment of special prosecutors to investigate allegations of voting paper shortages during the 9th nationwide local elections, which included the removal of all provisions that provided a basis for the investigative powers of dispatched special prosecutors. Jung strongly condemned this move.
He noted, "While the amended Criminal Procedure Act abolishes the supplementary investigative powers of prosecutors, it still recognizes the investigative powers of dispatched special prosecutors through provisions. Yet, they are uniquely trying to strip the investigative powers of the special prosecutor for the Election Commission, which is related to the infringement of citizens' voting rights."
He added, "This goes beyond shielding the incompetence and corruption of the Election Commission; it is an attempt to cover up the serious violation of citizens' voting rights. Today, the Democratic Party and the Election Commission have declared a cartel against voting rights. The People Power Party will use all means to block this unjust law."
In response to the controversy, the Democratic Party issued a statement through its spokesperson, Lee Joo-hee, announcing the withdrawal of the proposed amendment and the intention to reintroduce a bill that allows for the investigation by dispatched special prosecutors during the special prosecutor's term.
Lee explained, "Both parties had agreed that 'the investigation by dispatched special prosecutors is possible,' but during the recent adjustment process of 140 bills, the amendment to the special prosecutor law was organized and introduced contrary to the spirit of that agreement."
Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized the Democratic Party during a press conference at the National Assembly, stating, "The Democratic Party monopolizes investigations and prosecutions through three major special prosecutors, and now they are attempting to strip the investigative powers of special prosecutors in the most serious case of infringing on citizens' voting rights."
Earlier, on September 8, lawmakers including Kim Yong-min introduced a bill to amend the law regarding the appointment of special prosecutors to investigate allegations of voting paper shortages during the 9th nationwide local elections, which included the removal of all provisions that provided a basis for the investigative powers of dispatched special prosecutors. Jung strongly condemned this move.
He noted, "While the amended Criminal Procedure Act abolishes the supplementary investigative powers of prosecutors, it still recognizes the investigative powers of dispatched special prosecutors through provisions. Yet, they are uniquely trying to strip the investigative powers of the special prosecutor for the Election Commission, which is related to the infringement of citizens' voting rights."
He added, "This goes beyond shielding the incompetence and corruption of the Election Commission; it is an attempt to cover up the serious violation of citizens' voting rights. Today, the Democratic Party and the Election Commission have declared a cartel against voting rights. The People Power Party will use all means to block this unjust law."
In response to the controversy, the Democratic Party issued a statement through its spokesperson, Lee Joo-hee, announcing the withdrawal of the proposed amendment and the intention to reintroduce a bill that allows for the investigation by dispatched special prosecutors during the special prosecutor's term.
Lee explained, "Both parties had agreed that 'the investigation by dispatched special prosecutors is possible,' but during the recent adjustment process of 140 bills, the amendment to the special prosecutor law was organized and introduced contrary to the spirit of that agreement."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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