Yoon's Remarks and Attitude Prove the Legitimacy and Urgency of the Corruption Investigation Office Establishment
Unjust Remarks on Exercising Investigation Command Authority Reflect a Dangerous Perception Ignoring Fundamental Principles of Democracy
[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, directly criticized Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's remark that “the Prosecutor General is not a subordinate of the Minister of Justice,” saying it is “no different from declaring that an unelected power will not be controlled by anyone.”
On the morning of the 23rd, at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Lee said, “Through yesterday's (22nd) National Assembly inspection of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, the democratic control of the prosecution has become even more urgent.”
He stated, “Prosecutor General Yoon's remarks and attitude ironically reveal why and how difficult prosecutorial reform is and what conduct public officials should maintain, thereby proving the legitimacy and urgency of establishing the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (Gong-su-cheo). So far, the prosecution has built walls under the pretext of investigative independence to avoid external checks and surveillance.”
He further pointed out, “Prosecutor General Yoon's claim that the Minister of Justice's exercise of investigative directive authority is illegal and unjust denies the president's judgment that the exercise of such authority was inevitable and disregards the fundamental democratic principle that the people's representatives control the executive branch, revealing a dangerous perception.”
Lee said, “We confirmed (at yesterday's inspection) the fact that it is difficult to expect the prosecution to correct its mistakes on its own,” adding, “Therefore, the launch of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit is more urgent.” He also requested, “There are now only three days left for the opposition party to submit their recommendation committee members. The Legislation and Judiciary Committee should prepare to proceed with the legislative process smoothly after that.”
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