[2020 National Audit] "Prosecutors Cross the Line in Protecting Minister Chu... Even Refuse to Disclose Status of Complaints and Accusations"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] It has been revealed that the prosecution refused to disclose the status of complaints and accusations, citing concerns that it could infringe on the honor and privacy of Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae.

On the 12th, Yoon Han-hong, a member of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee from the People Power Party, announced that the Ministry of Justice responded to his request for data on complaints and accusations naming Minister Choo as the accused or defendant by stating, "It is difficult to submit due to concerns about infringing on the honor and privacy of the parties involved."

Previously, Representative Yoon had requested information on the complainants and accusers against Minister Choo, dates of complaints and accusations, applicable charges, the prosecutorial office and department in charge, and whether prosecution had been initiated.

He said, "Even though the request was simply for confirmation of factual information, not for investigation progress or details, the Central District Prosecutors' Office refused to submit the data, citing protection of the minister's honor and privacy," adding, "Criticism is emerging that the prosecution's protection of Minister Choo has gone too far."

Representative Yoon criticized, "Minister Choo is currently accused in more than 18 cases, but the only case concluded by the prosecution is the dismissal of charges related to allegations of special treatment during her son's military leave," and continued, "The prosecution has yet to reach conclusions on allegations including abuse of power related to her son, violation of the Anti-Graft Act concerning her daughter's visa request, disclosure of suspect information, defamation, and abuse of power related to the Channel A case, abuse of power related to former Minister Cho Kuk, and violation of the Political Funds Act regarding the use of political funds cards on the day her son enlisted in the military."

He pointed out, "In particular, the case in which Minister Choo was accused of false accusation during her tenure as party leader has not been concluded even after 29 months, leading to criticism that the prosecution is not properly investigating cases related to Minister Choo," and added, "The prosecution, which claims it cannot even disclose the status of accusations to protect Minister Choo's honor, has admitted to being her personal guard."

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