Lead

The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) has stepped up its criticism of a recently passed bill stripping the prosecution of its authority to conduct direct investigations, warning that it could weaken protection for victims. The party has called on President Lee Jae Myung to veto the legislation, which it says undermines the rule of law and benefits criminals.

Coverage Comparison

The revision to the Criminal Procedure Act was approved at a Cabinet meeting on Aug. 4, despite calls from the PPP for a presidential veto. The bill, which abolishes the prosecution's direct investigative powers, passed a plenary session last week in a 175-2 vote, despite protests from the PPP.

The PPP has been vocal in its opposition, with party leader Jang Dong-hyeok stating, "When the passage of the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act abolishing the supplementary investigative authority was declared, the rule of law in South Korea was handed a death sentence." He added, "This is a bill that only benefits criminals, including President Lee," noting that Lee's own criminal trials are currently suspended.

Yonhap News Agency reported that the PPP's criticism has been consistent, with the party holding rallies and forums to urge the president to veto the bill. The party has also pointed to public opposition, citing a survey showing that more than 62 percent of South Koreans believe prosecutors should retain the right to conduct supplementary investigations.

Key Claims

  • The bill, a revision to the Criminal Procedure Act, was approved at a Cabinet meeting on Aug. 4 and passed the National Assembly in a 175-2 vote.
  • The legislation abolishes the prosecution's direct investigative powers, including supplementary investigations. Prosecutors will instead be allowed to request judicial police officers to carry out supplementary investigations.
  • The PPP argues the bill weakens protection for victims, citing the case of a female victim who was attacked in Busan in 2022. The case was initially referred to prosecutors on assault charges, but a supplementary investigation by prosecutors later uncovered that the suspect had also attempted to sexually assault the victim.
  • PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok warned that public calls for President Lee's impeachment would grow stronger if he refuses to veto the bill.
  • The legislation is opposed by a majority of the public, legal experts, and some ruling party lawmakers, according to the PPP.
  • President Lee Jae Myung made remarks during a government briefing that suggested he had not read the revised law. Senior presidential secretary Seong Ghi-hong said Lee was only asking about differing interpretations of the provisions.

Perspectives

Opposition People Power Party (PPP)

The PPP, led by Jang Dong-hyeok, has condemned the bill as a measure that "only benefits criminals" and undermines the rule of law. The party has called on President Lee to veto the legislation, warning of stronger public calls for his impeachment if he does not. The PPP has also highlighted the case of a Busan victim to argue that the bill weakens protection for victims.

Presidential Office

President Lee Jae Myung's office has defended his remarks, with senior presidential secretary Seong Ghi-hong stating that the president is "fully aware of the contents of the legislation" and that his questions during a briefing were aimed at understanding how ministers interpret the provisions, particularly regarding joint investigations with police.