Cho Kuk: "Korean Prosecution is a Semi-Political Organization 'Prosecution Party'... Yoon's No.1 Approval Rating Boosts Confidence"

"Criticizing Sharply: 'Stab Roh Moo-hyun, Dismiss Lee Myung-bak Without Charges'"

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk is attending a trial held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 20th of last month.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk criticized, saying "The Korean prosecution is a quasi-political organization, a 'Prosecution Party (堂).'"

On the 3rd, Cho posted on his Facebook, "The prosecution claims to maintain political neutrality and only investigate the living power? Then what was it when they stabbed former President Roh Moo-hyun, beheaded Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook, and hastily dismissed charges against President-elect Lee Myung-bak?" he said.

He added, "Although I am shackled as a defendant, I cannot remain silent. This Prosecution Party has always allied with conservative parties and conservative media," and "The members of the Prosecution Party must be elated and boastful upon hearing that their party leader has risen to first place as a presidential candidate," he pointed out.

He continued, "They actively cooperate with the ruling power that does not touch the prosecution's authority and accept without complaint the investigative directives of former prosecutors who became Minister of Justice or Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs," and "However, against the ruling power pushing for prosecution reform, they open the crime information cabinet and persistently investigate to tarnish them, resisting collectively. Selective investigation and prosecution are tacit codes of conduct regarding matters related to prosecutorial power," he sharply criticized.

He said, "When administrative shortcomings of the judiciary or other executive members are found, they investigate and prosecute for abuse of authority, but internal corruption within the prosecution is often handled by resignation without disciplinary action," and "Even when clear crimes are confirmed, they dismiss them citing lack of evidence. Isn't this the prosecution that twice dismissed charges against Deputy Minister of Justice Kim Hak-ui?" he repeatedly pointed out.

Also, "Regarding the Ministry of Justice's disciplinary request against Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, every move of the Ministry is provided to the media in real time, resulting in one-sided attacks on the Ministry," and "This resembles the public opinion warfare the prosecution conducts during targeted investigations," he explained.

Former Minister Cho said, "Normally, such issues should be resolved before legal disputes, but why is this not the case at all?" and "Now this issue must follow the prescribed procedures. A disciplinary committee according to the law will be held, followed by administrative litigation. The results should be accepted."

Finally, he said, "In this situation, what the National Assembly must do is to pass all reform bills on December 9," and "All power institution reform bills such as the amendment to the Public Officials Corruption Investigation Office Act, the National Intelligence Service Act amendment, the Police Act amendment, and the three fair economy laws and other livelihood reform bills must pass the plenary session. I wait with the same heart as waiting for the passage of the prosecution reform bill at the end of last year," he added.

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