Daegum Cancels Prosecution of Assembly Act Violators in Front of National Assembly, Courts, and Prime Minister's Official Residence

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Supreme Prosecutors' Office announced on the 3rd that it has decided to dismiss the indictments against defendants charged under the law prohibiting assemblies near the National Assembly or courts, as the effectiveness of the law has expired.

Article 11 of our "Act on Assembly and Demonstration (Jipsibeop)" prohibits outdoor assemblies or demonstrations within 100 meters of national institutions such as the National Assembly building, the Prime Minister's official residence, and courts. This provision was declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court in successive rulings from May to July 2018. Since the law was not amended by the National Assembly thereafter, the provision lost its effect as of January 1.

Accordingly, Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol ordered a full dismissal of indictments and withdrawal of appeals related to these cases. The Supreme Prosecutors' Office's Public Investigation Department and Trial and Prosecution Department also conveyed this directive to all local offices nationwide. When indictments are dismissed, the courts effectively issue rulings equivalent to acquittals by dismissing the charges.

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office stated, "We have taken measures so that citizens can quickly be relieved from the burden of criminal trials," and added, "We will continue to do our best to realize the constitutional value of 'guaranteeing the freedom and rights of the people'."

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