The Bar Association: "The Complete Prohibition on Prosecutorial Investigation Bill Will Lead to an Era Where Corruption and Fraud Are Concealed"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Korean Bar Association (KBA) criticized the 'Geomsu Wanbak' (Complete Removal of Prosecutorial Investigation Authority) bill, which was approved at the Cabinet meeting, stating that "it will become an era where the discovery of truth and realization of justice in criminal judicial procedures are hindered, the basic rights of the people are violated, and fraud and corruption are concealed."

On the 4th, the KBA issued a statement expressing concern that "the amended Criminal Procedure Act even restricts the right to appeal in public interest whistleblowing cases."

Additionally, the KBA pointed out, "Crime victims can only file objections to unlawful and unfair final dispositions by the police, and prosecutors can only request supplementary investigations without enforcement power," calling it "a world where only the victims become fools."

Regarding the amendment to the Prosecutors' Office Act, the KBA evaluated that "there are no provisions to supplement investigative capabilities for general civil crimes," and "rather, the focus is on significantly weakening the state's investigative capabilities for power-related corruption cases."

They also viewed that "restrictions on prosecutorial investigations into public official crimes and election crimes are highly likely to become a shield for corrupt public officials and powerful politicians."

The KBA urged, "The legislation was hastily enacted without preparing alternatives to fill the investigative gaps," and called for "a re-discussion of the issues in a direction that can protect the rights of the people."

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