Special Investigation Law for Late Sergeant Lee Yeram Passes National Assembly Judiciary Committee... Scheduled for Plenary Session on 15th

Passed in the morning bill subcommittee and then in the plenary session
Two nominees each recommended by the Court Administration and the Bar Association, appointed by the President

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Junyi Park and Hyunji Kwon] The special prosecutor law related to the death of the late Sergeant Lee Yeram, who took an extreme measure due to sexual violence within the military, has passed the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee.

On the afternoon of the 14th, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held a plenary meeting at the National Assembly and approved the special prosecutor law concerning Sergeant Lee Yeram.

The bill is titled "The Act on the Appointment of a Special Prosecutor for the Investigation of Sexual Violence and Secondary Damage within the Military Related to the Death of Sergeant Lee Yeram of the Air Force 20th Fighter Wing (Alternative Bill)."

Earlier that day, the ruling and opposition parties held the first subcommittee meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee in the morning and approved the bill. In the subcommittee, it was agreed that when appointing the special prosecutor, two candidates each would be recommended by the Court Administration Office and the Korean Bar Association (KBA), and the final two candidates would be recommended through negotiations among the negotiating groups, with the president appointing them.

The investigation targets include sexual harassment and sexual assault cases related to Sergeant Lee Yeram in 2019 and 2020, related illegal acts, illegal acts causing secondary damage from sexual violence within the military, dereliction of duty and abuse of authority such as concealment, cover-up, and coercion within the Ministry of National Defense Air Force Headquarters, related illegal acts, and related cases recognized during the investigation process.

The special prosecutor can recommend four special assistant prosecutors and appoint up to 40 special investigators. Additionally, they can request related agencies such as the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and the National Police Agency to dispatch up to 10 prosecutors and up to 30 public officials.

Although military personnel and civilian employees subject to the special prosecutor's investigation generally fall under the jurisdiction of the military court, the special prosecutor law allows civilian courts to have jurisdiction over them.

The reasons the president can dismiss the special prosecutor or special assistant prosecutors include having physical or mental illnesses that significantly hinder the performance of duties and engaging in work for profit.

Following its passage in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee on this day, the bill is scheduled to be submitted to the plenary session on the 15th.