[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division (HCID) Prosecution Deliberation Committee concluded on the 30th that Cho Hee-yeon, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent, who has been accused of unfair special recruitment of dismissed teachers, should be prosecuted.

The Prosecution Deliberation Committee reviewed Superintendent Cho's case from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the same day and announced, "We have deliberated and resolved to prosecute regarding the main charges against the persons involved in this case."

Superintendent Cho has been under investigation by the HCID for allegations including improper involvement in the special recruitment of five dismissed teachers, including those from the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (JeonGyoJo), in 2018 (abuse of authority and violation of the State Public Officials Act). This is the first case handled by the HCID since its establishment.

The Prosecution Deliberation Committee also decided that former Chief Secretary A, who is accused of handling the practical work related to the special recruitment, should be prosecuted.

According to HCID regulations, the advisory results must be "respected." The HCID is expected to make a final decision regarding Superintendent Cho and others soon, based on this outcome.

Meanwhile, in response, Superintendent Cho's side announced that they will request a re-deliberation by the Prosecution Deliberation Committee. Attorney Lee Jae-hwa, who is representing Superintendent Cho legally, plans to submit a request for the committee's reconvening to the HCID at 10:30 a.m. on the 31st and hold a press conference.

Superintendent Cho's side stated, "It is difficult to accept the decision made by the Prosecution Deliberation Committee, which judged solely based on the unilateral opinion of the investigating prosecutor without guaranteeing the right of the defendant's counsel to present their opinion."

They also said, "According to HCID guidelines, the investigating prosecutor can only submit a written opinion, and if the deliberation committee deems it necessary, the prosecutor may attend. Nevertheless, the lead prosecutor insisted on attending the entire committee meeting from start to finish and demanded a decision to prosecute. The HCID did not even follow the regulations it created. Therefore, the defense strongly demands that the Prosecution Deliberation Committee be reconvened with the guarantee that both defense counsel and prosecutors have equal rights to present their opinions."

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