[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The police stated that there is no issue in protecting the rights of victims as all child abuse cases are to be referred to the prosecution, even under the revised Criminal Procedure Act, which is part of the so-called 'Geomsu Wanbak' (complete removal of prosecutorial investigative authority).
On the 11th, the National Police Agency released data on the revised Criminal Procedure Act and child abuse cases, clarifying this point. Previously, some argued that with the revision of the Criminal Procedure Act preventing complainants from filing objections, it would become difficult for victims to directly file complaints in child abuse cases, making it hard to challenge non-referral decisions.
The police emphasized, "Child abuse cases must be mandatorily referred to the prosecution regardless of suspicion under Article 24 of the Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse, so non-referral is not possible." They added, "The exclusion of objection rights for police non-referral cases and complainants has no effect or relation to child abuse cases," and further stated, "Moreover, prosecutors can request supplementary investigations or conduct them directly to decide whether to file charges in referred child abuse cases."
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