Jonamgwan Urges "Swift Handling of Election Case Investigations as 4.7 By-Election Concludes"

Acting Prosecutor General Jonamgwan / Photo by Jang Jinhyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Jo] Acting Prosecutor General Cho Nam-gwan urged all prosecution offices nationwide on the 8th to "handle major cases, including election-related cases, fairly and promptly, strictly based solely on legal principles and evidence."

Acting Prosecutor General Cho held a meeting with the heads of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in the afternoon and stated, "The April 7 by-elections, which showed signs of overheating amid concerns over the resurgence of COVID-19, have concluded," conveying this message.

According to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, as of that day, 99 investigation requests related to various complaints and accusations concerning the April 7 by-elections had been received. The office explained that this accounts for 59.8% of all cases received, representing the largest proportion.

Previously, on the 15th of last month, Acting Prosecutor General Cho had instructed to "refrain from forced investigations as much as possible" regarding cases that could influence the local elections. This recent urging is interpreted as an instruction to intensify investigations into election-related offenses now that the elections have concluded, after having restrained such actions.

However, Acting Prosecutor General Cho added, "Please strictly adhere to all procedures to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings during investigations, keep in mind the prosecution's 'political neutrality,' and exercise special caution in conduct and speech as public officials."