The Corruption Investigation Office and Ministry of Justice Expect "Sufficient Consultation" on the Push to Abolish Priority Investigation Rights

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency (HCIA) expressed its position on the Ministry of Justice's push to abolish the 'priority investigation right,' stating, "We expect to have sufficient consultations with the HCIA and to consider its opinions."

A HCIA official said at a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Gwacheon on the 2nd, "The Ministry of Justice announced its intention to abolish Article 24, but according to the Legal Affairs Operation Regulations, the promotion of a bill must go through sufficient consultations among related agencies," adding this.

Article 24, Paragraph 1 of the HCIA Act is a provision that allows the HCIA to request the transfer of cases to other investigative agencies. The Yoon Seok-yeol administration has been pushing for the abolition of this provision, arguing that it establishes the HCIA's superior status. The Ministry of Justice also reported to President Yoon on the 26th of last month that it would pursue legal amendments to abolish the 'priority investigation right.'

The HCIA official said, "Whether the relevant agency has the capability and whether it is necessary are separate issues," and added, "To uphold the purpose of establishing the HCIA, the right to request case transfers is necessary." When asked if there had been any consultations with the Ministry of Justice or others regarding this provision, the official replied, "Not yet."

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