President Moon Attends New Police Appointment Ceremony... "Become Champions of Human Rights Protection"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the afternoon of the 17th, President Moon Jae-in attended the '2022 New Police Lieutenant and Police Inspector Appointment Ceremony' held at the Police University in Asan, Chungnam, to encourage young police officers.

President Moon stated, "The Korean police are being reborn as democratic police, human rights police, and community police," adding, "The National Investigation Headquarters, launched in January last year, has strengthened the investigative capabilities of the police and increased their sense of responsibility."

He particularly emphasized the establishment of the Female and Juvenile Violent Crime Investigation Team and the Special Investigation Team for Child Abuse, actively responding to violent crimes targeting socially vulnerable groups, as well as strict investigations into digital sex crimes including the Nth Room and Doctor's Room cases, crimes infringing on the livelihoods of ordinary citizens, and real estate speculation crimes.

He continued, "Above all, the change in the police that the public feels is their utmost dedication to protecting citizens' rights and restoring damages," praising, "The 'dialogue police' at protest sites have opened a new horizon for a culture of communication between citizens and demonstrations."

President Moon said, "Double investigations causing inconvenience to the public between the police and prosecution have decreased, and 460,000 people annually have been swiftly freed from the stigma of being suspects," adding, "Human rights are the fundamental value of the police."

He further stated, "The term 'human rights violations' in police investigations has disappeared," and expressed encouragement for the police's efforts over the past five years dedicated to reform, hoping that the young police officers will become the main actors in protecting human rights.

Regarding the adjustment of the 'police-prosecution investigative authority,' which the government regards as a key achievement, President Moon made no specific remarks but emphasized, "The government's efforts to support the police's continuous reform will continue."