Yoon, Returning on Christmas... First Directive is 'COVID-19 Response'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol went to work on Christmas, the day after the court's decision to stay the execution of disciplinary action, and instructed the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and prosecution offices nationwide to respond to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 25th, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office announced, "The Prosecutor General chaired a COVID-19 countermeasure meeting at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office this afternoon and requested three priority matters to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and prosecution offices nationwide in addition to previous measures."

First, he urged that securing quarantine and safety at criminal justice facilities should be recognized as the top priority task. Prosecutor General Yoon mentioned that the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, and prosecution offices at all levels need to closely share information and maintain cooperative relationships with courts, the Ministry of Justice Correctional Bureau, detention facilities corresponding to each office, and the police.

He instructed to prioritize the enforcement of criminal law and investigate serious crime cases. However, he ordered to minimize summons investigations as much as possible and actively utilize video and online investigations through mobile phones and emails. He also directed to control the daily number of summonses at the entire office by summoning only with prior approval from the branch chief or deputy prosecutor.

Lastly, he stated that the right to meet with defense attorneys is a constitutional fundamental right, so even in the COVID-19 emergency situation, the state has an obligation to make every effort to guarantee it as much as possible. Prosecutor General Yoon ordered all prosecution offices and detention facilities to actively prepare video and telephone booths so that even if face-to-face meetings are difficult, online video meetings can be conducted.

However, he did not receive reports on ongoing investigations such as the nuclear power plant case. It appears that he judged the COVID-19 response as the most urgent matter after a large-scale group infection occurred at the Seoul Eastern Detention Center.

Meanwhile, Prosecutor General Yoon plans to go to work again on the 26th to receive reports on matters that occurred during his absence and on the adjustment of investigative authority.

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