Prime Minister Han Pushes for Formation of 'Damage Support Committee'
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is delivering an opening remark at the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 30th. At this meeting, it is scheduled to decide on the veto (reconsideration request) of the special law on the Itaewon disaster. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo pointed out on the 30th that there is a possibility of unconstitutionality in the 'Special Act on the Investigation of the Itaewon Disaster on October 29, Prevention of Recurrence, and Protection of Victims' Rights,' which was passed solely by the opposition party, stating "There is a significant concern that fairness and neutrality may be compromised."
In his opening remarks at the Cabinet meeting reviewing the request for reconsideration of the Itaewon Disaster Special Act, Prime Minister Han said, "Without clear evidence of any problems in the investigation results by the police and prosecution, we cannot help but deeply consider what installing a separate special investigation committee for additional investigations truly means for the victims, bereaved families, and our citizens."
Prime Minister Han added, "There is a risk of consuming national administrative power and resources without justification or benefit, and only deepening public division and distrust," emphasizing, "Nevertheless, if the special investigation committee must operate, it must comply with the constitutional order, as all laws do."
He continued, "Fairness and neutrality commensurate with the grave authority of fact-finding investigations must also be guaranteed," but added, "However, the special investigation committee stipulated in this bill has problems in guaranteeing this from its authority and composition."
Prime Minister Han pointed out that according to the bill, the special investigation committee can exercise strong powers such as summons and requests for search and seizure, stating, "This not only violates the constitutional principle of warrant requirement but also has a high potential to excessively infringe on citizens' fundamental rights during the process," and criticized, "There is a significant concern that fairness and neutrality may be compromised in the procedure of appointing the 11 members who make up the committee."
He then said, "If a special law that truly heals the wounds of bereaved families, victims, and our society and contributes to preventing recurrence is enacted, the government will actively accept it," and requested, "In this spirit, I ask for thorough discussions once again between the ruling and opposition parties on the problematic provisions of the special law."
However, the government decided to expand financial and psychological support, including forming a support committee to help the bereaved families and victims of the Itaewon disaster quickly return to their daily lives. It also announced plans to actively promote the creation of a space to honor and fully commemorate the sacrifices.
Prime Minister Han emphasized, "The government will listen to the requests of bereaved families and victims, sincerely consider what measures can truly help, and seek solutions together," adding, "We will promptly establish the 10·29 Disaster Support Committee and swiftly prepare substantial support measures."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
