Strict Investigation Ordered for Black Propaganda, Bribery, and Elected Officials Cases
Out of 2,348 Indicted, 252 Prosecuted, 694 Not Prosecuted
Statute of Limitations Expires on October 10... 1,399 Still Under Investigation
Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok has ordered a swift and strict investigation into election-related offenses from the 22nd general election held in April this year.
On the 8th, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office announced, "The Prosecutor General instructed all prosecutors' offices nationwide to thoroughly review the overall investigation of election cases related to violations of the Public Official Election Act from the 22nd general election held on April 10, ahead of the statute of limitations expiration date (October 10) by two months, to ensure fair and prompt investigations so that no cases are handled just before the statute of limitations expires."
Additionally, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office added, "Prosecutor General Lee specifically ordered strict investigations into key targeted crimes such as smear campaigns and bribery, as well as major election cases related to elected candidates."
According to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, as of the previous day, a total of 2,348 people have been booked in connection with the 22nd general election. This represents a 3.2% increase compared to the 2,276 people booked at the same time during the 21st general election.
The prosecution has indicted 252 of them and dismissed charges against 694. Three individuals were referred to juvenile court. Investigations are still ongoing for the remaining 1,399 people.
The Supreme Prosecutors' Office stated, "Due to the limited scope of direct prosecution investigations into election cases, we are actively utilizing the 'election case cooperation procedure' to share investigation status and consult on cases currently under police investigation. This ensures thorough investigations in accordance with legal principles, preventing cases from being transferred or dismissed just before the statute of limitations expires. For major cases, as a rule, the investigating prosecutor will directly handle the trial, ensuring thoroughness in both investigation and prosecution of election cases."
The revised "Regulations on Mutual Cooperation between Prosecutors and Judicial Police Officers and General Investigation Guidelines," implemented since November last year, mandates prosecutors and judicial police officers to obligatorily present and exchange opinions on election cases, thereby strengthening mutual cooperation procedures.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
