The People Power Party strongly opposed the Democratic Party's decision on July 24 to adopt a stance for the complete abolition of supplementary investigation rights for prosecutors, vowing to "fight with all our strength." The party indicated it would resort to measures such as a filibuster if the amendment is presented at the National Assembly's general assembly.
Jung Jeom-sik, the party's floor leader, expressed his views on Facebook, stating, "This decision is a madness fueled by hatred and revenge against the prosecution, and it reflects the cowardice of Democratic Party members bowing to extremist factions within their party. It tramples on the will of the people who want to maintain supplementary investigation rights, ignores the pleas of crime victims and their families, and disregards concerns within the Democratic Party itself."
Previously, despite internal disagreements, the Democratic Party confirmed its policy to completely abolish supplementary investigation rights and subsequently endorsed the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act at a policy meeting. While the party believes it can no longer delay legislative reforms for prosecutorial reform, there are growing concerns about potential gaps in investigations and the need for enhanced victim protection measures.
The proposed amendment aims to abolish the supplementary investigation rights of prosecutors while expanding protective measures for victims and strengthening mutual checks among investigative agencies. Additionally, the Democratic Party plans to quickly advance a revision of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency Act to establish dedicated departments for crimes against vulnerable groups, allowing for supplementary investigations. With the party accelerating its efforts following the adoption of its stance, the amendment is expected to be reviewed by the Legislative and Judiciary Committee next week and could be processed in the general assembly as early as July 30.
Jung criticized Democratic Party members who previously advocated for maintaining supplementary investigation rights, asking, "What are the lawmakers who have proposed bills named after victims of horrific accidents and crimes doing now? Why are they silent in the face of urgent human rights cries?" He expressed his dismay as a fellow lawmaker in light of their hypocrisy and cowardice.
Regarding the plan to present the amendment in the general assembly, he reiterated, "The People Power Party will fight with all our strength. I urge some members of the Democratic Party to reject this misguided party stance and follow their conscience. There should be no division between the ruling and opposition parties when it comes to the lives and safety of the people. The damage that will occur due to the abolition of supplementary investigation rights will be entirely your responsibility. You will surely face consequences."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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