Members of the People Power Party's Legislative Judiciary Committee condemned the Democratic Party's attempt to process a bill amending the Criminal Procedure Act on July 29. They argued that the bill, which includes the abolition of supplementary investigation rights, is being rushed through without proper consideration.
During a press conference held at the National Assembly, they stated, "The abolition of supplementary investigation rights ignores the protection of citizens' rights and gives up on discovering substantive truth," and called for an immediate halt to the push for the bill. They urged for a public hearing involving both parties to gather opinions from the legal community, academia, and investigative field.
Park Hyung-soo, the committee's secretary, criticized the Democratic Party for using the abolition of supplementary investigation rights for personal revenge against the prosecution or for party conventions, stating, "The damage will fall on the citizens, and history will surely record this."
The People Power Party emphasized that the abolition of supplementary investigation rights goes against the will of the people and that the Democratic Party's proposed alternatives would not resolve the issues. They pointed out that the establishment of dedicated departments within the Serious Crime Investigation Agency and the transfer of all cases involving seven major crimes against vulnerable groups cannot be implemented immediately.
Park added, "Crimes should be distinguished not by social status but by the roles of perpetrator and victim," highlighting that the murder charges in the 'Jang Yoon-ki case' would not be included in the scope of case transfers. He raised concerns about how victims of murder would be treated.
Yoon Sang-hyun noted that the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act is set to pass through the bill review subcommittee, the full Legislative Judiciary Committee, and the plenary session in just two days, labeling it as 'legislative cramming.'
He stated, "As seen in the Jang Yoon-ki case and the Busan kickback incident, supplementary investigation rights are a minimal safeguard to protect the vulnerable from hasty and reduced investigations by the police. If this bill passes, Justice Minister Jeong Seung-ho should recommend the exercise of the right to request reconsideration to the President, who should then exercise the veto power."
Kim Tae-kyu also remarked that changing the Criminal Procedure Act requires extensive discussions among scholars and experts over several years, questioning whether it is appropriate to sacrifice a law that affects all citizens to appease the emotions and desire for revenge of a specific party's fervent supporters.
Meanwhile, the People Power Party plans to submit a request for the formation of an agenda adjustment committee during the scheduled full Legislative Judiciary Committee meeting. Park emphasized the need to establish this committee to ensure effective alternatives for victim protection and to prevent gaps in investigations, advocating for a 90-day review period.
During a press conference held at the National Assembly, they stated, "The abolition of supplementary investigation rights ignores the protection of citizens' rights and gives up on discovering substantive truth," and called for an immediate halt to the push for the bill. They urged for a public hearing involving both parties to gather opinions from the legal community, academia, and investigative field.
Park Hyung-soo, the committee's secretary, criticized the Democratic Party for using the abolition of supplementary investigation rights for personal revenge against the prosecution or for party conventions, stating, "The damage will fall on the citizens, and history will surely record this."
The People Power Party emphasized that the abolition of supplementary investigation rights goes against the will of the people and that the Democratic Party's proposed alternatives would not resolve the issues. They pointed out that the establishment of dedicated departments within the Serious Crime Investigation Agency and the transfer of all cases involving seven major crimes against vulnerable groups cannot be implemented immediately.
Park added, "Crimes should be distinguished not by social status but by the roles of perpetrator and victim," highlighting that the murder charges in the 'Jang Yoon-ki case' would not be included in the scope of case transfers. He raised concerns about how victims of murder would be treated.
Yoon Sang-hyun noted that the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act is set to pass through the bill review subcommittee, the full Legislative Judiciary Committee, and the plenary session in just two days, labeling it as 'legislative cramming.'
He stated, "As seen in the Jang Yoon-ki case and the Busan kickback incident, supplementary investigation rights are a minimal safeguard to protect the vulnerable from hasty and reduced investigations by the police. If this bill passes, Justice Minister Jeong Seung-ho should recommend the exercise of the right to request reconsideration to the President, who should then exercise the veto power."
Kim Tae-kyu also remarked that changing the Criminal Procedure Act requires extensive discussions among scholars and experts over several years, questioning whether it is appropriate to sacrifice a law that affects all citizens to appease the emotions and desire for revenge of a specific party's fervent supporters.
Meanwhile, the People Power Party plans to submit a request for the formation of an agenda adjustment committee during the scheduled full Legislative Judiciary Committee meeting. Park emphasized the need to establish this committee to ensure effective alternatives for victim protection and to prevent gaps in investigations, advocating for a 90-day review period.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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