People Power Party Targets Chu Mi-ae, Pushes for 'Power-Type Judicial Obstruction Crime'

Josujin "Choo Mi-ae's Reckless Actions Undermine Judicial Order"

So Su-jin, a member of the People Power Party, is questioning at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office audit held by the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 22nd of last month. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] The People Power Party is pushing to establish a new "power-type judicial obstruction crime," punishable by up to 7 years in prison, for those who use prosecutorial personnel authority or other means to obstruct investigations. This is essentially a "Choo Mi-ae Prevention Act" targeting former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae.

According to the office of Rep. Jo Soo-jin of the People Power Party on the 15th, Rep. Jo submitted a "Request for Drafting and Review of Partial Amendment to the Criminal Act" to the National Assembly Legislative Office on the 10th.

The request included content stating, "There is ongoing controversy that certain power holders or political factions indirectly or directly obstruct investigations and trials by using investigation, personnel, and budgetary authority."

In the request, Rep. Jo argued, "According to the Constitution and the Government Organization Act, if the supervisors of investigative and judicial institutions abuse their command and authority to obstruct the legitimate duties of those institutions, we will establish and apply a judicial obstruction crime (up to 7 years imprisonment) to impose harsher penalties than the current abuse of authority or obstruction of official duties by deception (up to 5 years imprisonment)."

Regarding the background of the legislative push, Rep. Jo reportedly mentioned, "Judicial order is being undermined due to Minister Choo Mi-ae's reckless actions," citing △ obstruction of investigations and prosecution maintenance through four rounds of prosecutorial personnel changes within 11 months of her appointment △ reduction of prosecutorial investigative power through reorganization of the prosecution system (such as reducing direct investigations) △ directing the course of specific cases through inspection orders and exercise of investigative command authority △ pressure on the prosecution through budget authority.

She also stated that the scope of those punishable under the judicial obstruction crime is limited to "cases where undue influence is exerted on investigations or trials by using one's duties or position."

The bill is expected to have a draft prepared within this week and be formally proposed in December.

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