(2nd LD) Lee says revision to Criminal Procedure Act will be 'start of judicial normalization'

Lead

President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday defended a recently passed legal revision that abolishes prosecutors' authority to conduct direct investigations, calling it "the beginning of judicial normalization," according to Yonhap News Agency. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Lee signaled his intention to sign the bill into law despite calls from the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) to veto it. The Cabinet subsequently approved the promulgation of the revision to the Criminal Procedure Act.

Coverage Comparison

Yonhap News Agency's reports consistently framed the revision as a step toward judicial normalization, with Lee's remarks at the center of the coverage. One report highlighted the National Assembly's passage of the revision, noting that the prosecution will be stripped of its authority to conduct direct investigations, including supplementary investigation, leaving investigations solely to the police. Another report emphasized the Cabinet's approval, describing the vote in the National Assembly as boycotted by the PPP. A third report expanded on Lee's reasoning, quoting him as saying that "separating investigations from indictments is the starting point for normalizing the abnormal criminal justice system."

The reports also noted that Lee addressed the presidential veto power, stating it should be exercised only when the constitutional order is at risk or the separation of powers is threatened. He argued that the bill does not warrant its use, saying, "There were many controversies, but it is difficult to view this as a situation serious enough to be unconstitutional, infringe on the executive branch's authority or undermine the National Assembly's legislative power."

Acknowledging potential unintended consequences of transferring investigative authority solely to the police, Lee's remarks suggested awareness of the challenges ahead, according to the coverage. The reports also included his instruction to ensure that workers can exercise their rights to suspend work over excessive heat, with a call for special protection for underprivileged people and those laboring outdoors or in closed spaces.

Key Claims

• President Lee Jae Myung called the revision to the Criminal Procedure Act "the beginning of judicial normalization" and defended it as a necessary correction to an abnormal criminal justice system.
• The National Assembly passed the revision, and the Cabinet approved its promulgation on Tuesday.
• Under the revision, prosecutors will lose their authority to conduct direct investigations, including supplementary investigation, leaving investigations solely to the police.
• Lee argued that prosecutors have exercised "excessive" authority over decades, sometimes abusing power to cover up or target cases, according to Yonhap's report.
• Lee stated that the presidential veto power is not warranted in this case, as the revision does not threaten the constitutional order or separation of powers.
• The main opposition People Power Party boycotted the National Assembly vote on the revision and called on Lee to veto it.
• The president also ordered measures to protect workers from excessive heat, including the right to suspend work.

Perspectives

• President Lee Jae Myung: Defends the revision as a necessary step to normalize the criminal justice system, arguing that separating investigations from indictments corrects an abnormal system where prosecutors wielded excessive authority. He considers the veto power inappropriate for this bill.

• Main Opposition People Power Party (PPP): Opposes the revision, boycotting the National Assembly vote and urging the president to use his veto authority to block the bill.