Breaking the Silence, Yoon Seok-yeol: "We Must Reject Dictatorship Disguised as Democracy"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, who appeared in an official capacity for the first time in over a month, urged newly appointed prosecutors regarding cases of corruption and power-related misconduct, saying, "Under no circumstances should you turn a blind eye; firmly confront these cases and strictly exercise the law enforcement authority entrusted to you by the people."

At the new prosecutors' registration ceremony held on the 3rd at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-dong, Seoul, Prosecutor General Yoon emphasized, "The law must be enforced fairly and justly for everyone."

Yoon defined "criminal law enforcement" as the fundamental duty of prosecutors, stating, "Criminal laws that define criminal offenses constitute part of the legal system topped by the Constitution. They are key laws that guarantee the effectiveness of other laws and protect constitutional values. Therefore, prosecutors must always maintain a solemn mindset to uphold constitutional values."

He continued, "The constitutional spirit embedded in criminal law?liberal democracy, fair competition, and protection of the socially vulnerable?must always be deeply engraved in your hearts," adding, "Liberal democracy does not ignore equality and emphasize only freedom. It refers to true democracy that rejects dictatorship and totalitarianism disguised as democracy."

He also said, "Liberal democracy is realized through the rule of law," and urged, "You must enforce the law fairly and justly for everyone, keeping in mind not only the actual stakeholders revealed in each case but also potential stakeholders who may face numerous similar cases in the future."

Regarding recent efforts in the National Assembly and elsewhere to adjust investigative authority and reform the prosecution system, Yoon mentioned "restructuring the investigation system centered on trials," emphasizing, "Investigations must be remembered as the preparatory process for prosecution and trials. The work system in the prosecutor's office should also center on trials."

He added, "Guaranteeing the right to defense and restraining detention are key elements of human rights-centered investigations," and stated, "Personal detention should be carried out only in extremely exceptional cases when it is unavoidable for the proper enforcement of criminal law and the safety of the social community."

Yoon stressed, "We must eliminate the mistaken perception that detention equates to punishment for crimes and the success of investigations," and warned, "The prosecution must not abuse its superior position by using the weapon of compulsory investigation." He also urged, "Do not ask how the state and the prosecution organization will guarantee your status and future; instead, constantly ask yourselves how you will work for the people and the nation."

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