Bar Association: "There Is Room for Misunderstanding Regarding Non-Disclosure of Indictments... A Disclosure System Must Be Established"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The Korean Bar Association (KBA) has urged the Ministry of Justice to "promptly establish a system for the disclosure of indictments based on the principle of the rule of law."

On the afternoon of the 13th, the KBA issued a statement saying, "The decision to withhold the indictment in the case of the Blue House's alleged interference in the Ulsan mayoral election is open to misunderstanding in terms of timing and method," and added, "We urge the Ministry of Justice to actively consult with the Supreme Prosecutors' Office to establish a reasonable system for indictment disclosure." The KBA also commented on the Ministry of Justice submitting only a summary of the charges to the National Assembly instead of the full indictment, stating, "This can be seen as a willingness to respect the defendant's right to defense and the right to plead," but pointed out, "Considering the fair application and enforcement of the law, raising concerns about this is worth listening to."

The KBA said, "We sympathize with the criticisms from the 'Lawyers for a Democratic Society' (Minbyun) and the 'Lawyers for Human Rights and Unification of Korea' regarding the refusal to disclose the indictment." Earlier, Minbyun issued an official comment the previous day, stating that it is difficult to conclude that the Ministry of Justice's decision was a 'violation of the law,' but raised concerns, saying, "It is questionable whether the gravity of the case in question was properly considered."

The KBA also expressed, "We strongly feel the need to reform the indictment disclosure system, including issues related to the submission of indictments to the National Assembly as a customary practice and the prosecutor's indictment entries beyond the principle of indictment exclusivity," and stated, "The KBA will actively cooperate to amend and supplement the system."

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