Choo Mi-ae Meets Prosecutors, Urges "Reduce Direct Investigations and Focus on Public Welfare and Prosecution Maintenance"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] On the 16th, Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae met face-to-face with frontline prosecutors for the first time and urged them to "reduce direct investigations by the prosecution and focus their efforts on investigating and maintaining prosecution in cases related to the public's human rights and daily life." She also requested, in line with the implementation of the revised 'Prosecutorial Case Handling Rules' that strengthen the rights of defense counsel, that "efforts be made to ensure that the defense counsel's right to argue is effectively guaranteed during prosecution investigations."

Minister Chu had lunch and conversed for two hours starting at noon at the Government Gwacheon Complex with 14 prosecutors selected as 'Outstanding Prosecutors of 2019' by the Korean Bar Association. This was the first time since her appointment that Minister Chu met with frontline prosecutors.

At the meeting, Minister Chu congratulated and encouraged the prosecutors on being selected as 'Outstanding Prosecutors.' Prosecutors with various years of experience (Judicial Research and Training Institute classes 47 to 33) handling criminal and trial duties from 12 offices nationwide attended. According to the Ministry of Justice, these prosecutors expressed diverse opinions on the changed investigation and trial environment, excessive workload of criminal and trial divisions, morale-boosting measures, and prosecution reform.

A Ministry of Justice official stated, "Minister Chu intends to continue listening to the diverse and vivid voices of prosecution members, sharing concerns and thoughts together, and promoting prosecution reform."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.