[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] One hundred thirty lawyers issued a statement expressing concern over the prosecution personnel reshuffle carried out by the Ministry of Justice on the 8th.
The group "Lawyers Concerned About the Regression of the Rule of Law in the Republic of Korea" stated in their statement released on the 17th, "Power must stop acts that violate the rule of law." They pointed out, "The fact that most of the prosecution executives investigating power-related corruption were replaced can only be seen as an attempt to obstruct investigations," adding, "The worst precedent has been set that could allow the cover-up of power-related corruption investigations in the next administration."
They continued, "The president's personnel authority is power granted by the people and must be exercised strictly and fairly," criticizing, "To invoke personnel authority regarding this prosecution reshuffle is against popular sovereignty and insults the people."
They also expressed opposition to the organizational reform plan promoted by the Ministry of Justice. Citing major cases handled by the investigative departments targeted for abolition, such as the allegations of corruption involving former Minister Cho Kuk's family, the Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries merger allegations, the Blue House election interference allegations, and the Shiniljan stock trading allegations, they expressed concern that significant disruptions to investigations could occur. They also questioned, "What truth is being hidden that such coercive obstruction of investigations is being attempted?"
Meanwhile, the statement was signed by former presidents of the Korean Bar Association Ham Jeong-ho, Cheon Ki-heung, Shin Young-moo, Ha Chang-woo, and Kim Hyun; former high prosecutors general Jeong Jin-gyu and Moon Hyo-nam; former prosecutors general Lee Myung-jae and Cho Hee-jin; former chairman of the Korea Legal Aid Corporation Lee Heon; and former standing commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission Choi Hye-ri, among others.
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