"Trying to Hide Something" vs "Correct Judgment" Choo Mi-ae, Controversy Over Prosecutors' Indictment Non-Disclosure

Hwang Kyo-ahn "Isn't this self-incrimination?"
Justice Party "Hard to avoid criticism for forced cover-up attempt"
Democratic Peace Party "Pressuring prosecution with threats"
Ahn Cheol-soo "Undermining election fairness... Simply fake democratization forces"

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is attending the opening ceremony of the Ministry of Justice Spokesperson's Office 'Uijeonggwan' held at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 6th. Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Controversy is erupting over Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's refusal to disclose the indictment of Blue House and police officials prosecuted on charges of ordered investigations and election interference. In particular, criticism of abuse of power has been raised in political and legal circles.

On the 6th, at the opening ceremony of the Ministry of Justice spokesperson office held at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Minister Choo explained the policy of not disclosing the indictment, saying, "If the indictment is disclosed before the trial, the suspect loses the opportunity to rebut and their human rights are violated," adding, "Even if it causes political misunderstandings, I thought that if we do not stop it this time, the practice will be repeated."

Earlier, the Ministry of Justice stated that it would not submit the original indictment citing reasons such as the criminal defendant's right to a fair trial, protection of the honor and privacy of those involved in the case, and the possibility of publicizing the suspect's facts during ongoing investigations.

As a result, criticism has intensified not only from the Liberty Korea Party but also from progressive opposition parties such as the Justice Party.

Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, said at the party's Supreme Council meeting on the 5th, "Seeing that the indictment is being tightly hidden, isn't this a 'self-proof of guilt'?" He pointed out, "President Moon Jae-in should not put forward a puppet minister but directly disclose the indictment and explain it to the people. Disclose it openly and face the judgment of the law."

Former People's Party leader Ahn Cheol-soo also criticized at a forum titled 'How to Realize a Fighting Centrist' held at the National Assembly on the 5th, saying, "Blocking the disclosure of the indictment is an admission that the election interference suspicion is true," and "If you are confident, not hiding it is common sense in our society. Political forces that undermine the fairness of elections, the foundation of democracy, are simply fake democratization forces."

The Justice Party also pointed out in a statement on the same day, "It is difficult to avoid criticism that this is an unreasonable and excessive attempt to conceal." The Party for Democracy and Peace criticized, "(The government and ruling party) are pressuring the prosecution to become loyal dogs of power by wielding a knife at the prosecution behind the slogans of prosecution reform and judicial reform."

The Ministry of Justice has stated that it does not submit the original indictment due to reasons such as the criminal defendant's right to a fair trial, the protection of the honor and privacy of parties involved in the case, and the possibility of disclosing facts related to the suspect under investigation. Photo by Asia Economy DB

Given the situation, some voices are emerging, saying, "It is suspicious. Thorough investigation is necessary," and "Illegal acts in consideration of the general election."

An office worker A (29) said, "What reason would there be not to disclose it ahead of the general election?" and "If it is disadvantageous, they call it a bad practice and infringe on the people's right to know." He added, "During Park Geun-hye's impeachment, the indictment was disclosed and the process proceeded quickly, but the current administration is busy hiding it."

He continued, "I was disappointed with this administration during the Cho Kuk incident, but now I am genuinely worried about the country," and pointed out, "The opposition parties that cannot stop this are also a problem."

On the other hand, netizens supporting Minister Choo's decision said, "It is necessary for reform," and "I don't think the indictment is being kept confidential to protect Blue House officials. The criticisms now are hurdles to overcome for future reforms."

Another netizen said, "We need to fix the 'Prosecutor's Republic' this time. We should also consider the personal damage caused by excessive publicizing of suspect facts," adding, "Although it is receiving much criticism now because it is a transitional period, people will recognize it someday."

Meanwhile, Minister Choo stated, "In cases with high public attention, like in the U.S., it is necessary to discuss a method to satisfy the people's right to know by posting the indictment on the website after going through the case disclosure review committee once the trial begins," and added, "It is not about insisting on unconditional non-disclosure."

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