Daegum Orders Frontline Investigation on 'Political Neutrality' in June 1 Local Elections

Daegum "Increase in 'Queueing Behavior' and Other Electioneering Practices... Strict Response Needed"

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Kyung-jun] Ahead of the June 1 local elections, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office has instructed local prosecutors' offices to maintain 'political neutrality' in their investigations.

On the 23rd, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office ordered that political neutrality be strictly upheld during the investigation, handling, prosecution, and maintenance of public prosecution of election-related cases.

In particular, it was instructed to respond more strictly as election manipulation by public officials, such as 'line-standing behavior,' occurs more frequently and is increasing in local elections compared to other nationwide elections.

Furthermore, with the amended Criminal Procedure Act and Prosecutors' Office Act coming into effect on September 10, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office conveyed to the front lines to cooperate closely with the police and the National Election Commission from the early stages of investigation to promptly and fairly handle election cases, in order to alleviate concerns about insufficient investigation or poor handling of election cases sent or transferred by the police near the statute of limitations.

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office emphasized, "In all election cases, investigations must be conducted neutrally and fairly, and cases must be handled solely based on 'facts and legal principles' with the same standards applied regardless of party, election outcome, or status."