Choo Mi-ae: "Non-disclosure of Indictment is the First Step to Correct Wrong Practices"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae stated, "The measure to keep indictments confidential is the first step to practically uphold constitutional principles such as the presumption of innocence, which have been largely overlooked."

At a press briefing held at the Government Complex Gwacheon on the afternoon of the 11th, Minister Choo addressed the decision to keep the indictment confidential in the case concerning the "Blue House's alleged interference in the Ulsan mayoral election," saying, "We aim to correct wrongful practices." She added, "If the fundamental rights of the people and procedural justice are not upheld in criminal justice procedures, the discovery of substantive truth and the basic values of democracy cannot be guaranteed."

Minister Choo also stated, "Going forward, the Ministry of Justice will review the investigation practices and methods throughout the criminal justice process to ensure they do not violate laws and principles, and will work to improve them one by one." Regarding cases where prosecutors initiate investigations, she said, "We will strengthen various verifications and also consider institutional improvements to separate the entities responsible for investigation and prosecution within the prosecution."

Furthermore, Minister Choo declared, "To protect the human rights of the people, we will inspect whether investigation rules and regulations prohibiting the disclosure of criminal cases are properly enforced, and strengthen the Ministry of Justice's internal inspections." She added, "We will also work to improve wrongful investigation practices, such as unnecessary summons of detainees."

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