Prosecutorial Review Committee Under Scrutiny by Ruling Party: "Give Us the List," "Isn't It a System Issue?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 27th, at the plenary meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly, ruling party lawmakers suggested the need for reform, stating that there is a 'problem with the system' regarding the Investigation Deliberation Committee's recommendation not to prosecute Chief Prosecutor Han Dong-hoon.

Park Jumin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, pointed out at the plenary meeting of the Judiciary Committee that after recommending the suspension of the investigation into Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, the committee also recommended stopping the investigation into Chief Prosecutor Han. He said, "The Prosecutor General is supposed to form the pool (of members) for the Deliberation Committee, but isn't there a problem with the investigation deliberation system?"

In response, Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae said, "As you mentioned, it cannot be denied that there are such concerns," adding, "The Prosecutor General appoints the members, and there is an internal regulation that keeps the appointed members confidential, which has led to criticism of the 'black box' issue."

Park said, "I hope you consider operating this part transparently and objectively in a way similar to a citizen participation trial," and added, "Also, regarding the regulations on statements of opinion, the chief prosecutor and the applicant present their opinions within 30 minutes through on-site attendance, but isn't it the case that explanations, questions, and answers are not sufficiently conducted?"

Minister Chu replied, "There may be a lack of time, and also there is no order or allocation of questioning, nor cross-examination," adding, "It is difficult to approach the substantive truth." Park then said, "I hope you review (changing to a citizen participation trial method) once so that the original purpose of democratic control over prosecution investigations can be properly reflected."

Kim Nam-guk, a Democratic Party lawmaker, also requested the submission of the list of the Investigation Deliberation Committee members. He said, "There is a pool of about 150 personnel, and a committee of about 15 members is formed through random selection, so I would like to receive related materials about the list and the selection method."

In response, Yoo Sang-beom, a member of the United Future Party, said, "The request for the list of members who participated in the Investigation Deliberation Committee is something that must be handled very carefully," and pointed out, "There was considerable criticism from the ruling party regarding the decision made by the Investigation Deliberation Committee on the 24th, and it was even criticized as an act of obstructing the investigation."

He added, "The moment the names of those participating are revealed, their expertise and character will be unilaterally disparaged," and said, "For the Judiciary Committee to demand that is nothing but to expose them thoroughly and say, 'You should be beaten by public opinion.'"

Yoo also questioned Minister Chu whether it is appropriate to follow the decision of the Investigation Deliberation Committee. In response, Minister Chu said, "The investigation team will listen to various opinions, including the results of the Prosecutorial Investigation Deliberation Committee, but will independently handle the case solely based on evidence and legal principles according to the direction of the investigation."

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