Prosecution Review Committee to Hold Meeting on 18th Regarding Baek Woon-gyu's Alleged 'Abetment of Breach of Trust' Charges

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Prosecutorial Investigation Deliberation Committee will convene on the 18th to determine whether it is appropriate to additionally indict former Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Baek Woon-gyu on charges of aiding breach of trust in connection with allegations of manipulation of the economic feasibility evaluation of the Wolsong Unit 1 nuclear power plant.

According to the legal community on the 11th, the Investigation Deliberation Committee will hold a current affairs meeting on the 18th to review whether to additionally indict former Minister Baek on charges of aiding breach of trust and obstruction of business.

Earlier, the Daejeon District Prosecutors' Office indicted former Minister Baek on June 30 on charges including abuse of authority and obstruction of rights. The investigation team also intended to apply charges of aiding breach of trust and obstruction of business against him. However, regarding the aiding breach of trust charge, due to differences in opinion with the senior officials of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, it was decided to seek the Investigation Deliberation Committee's judgment before making a final decision.

Typically, the Investigation Deliberation Committee convenes 1 to 2 weeks after the decision to assemble. However, the committee meeting for former Minister Baek will be held 49 days after the decision to convene, influenced by factors such as the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The Investigation Deliberation Committee reviews the legality of investigations in cases that raise public suspicion or attract social attention, reaches conclusions, and recommends directions to the prosecution. However, the committee's recommendations are not binding.

The committee members for current affairs are composed of 15 individuals selected by lottery from 150 experts across various fields including the legal community, academia, media, civic groups, and culture and arts sectors.