Democratic Party: "No Constitutional Controversy Over Treason and Kim Geon-hee Special Prosecutor Based on Precedents and Case Law"

The Democratic Party of Korea reiterated its position that there are no unconstitutional elements in the 'Special Prosecutor Laws on Treason and Kim Geon-hee.' This was a rebuttal to media reports suggesting that Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo's refusal to submit the two special prosecutor laws to the Cabinet meeting despite opposition party impeachment warnings was due to concerns about unconstitutionality.

On the 24th, Yoon Jong-gun, the Democratic Party floor spokesperson, stated, "Acting President Han is reportedly planning not to submit the 'Special Prosecutor Laws on Treason and Kim Geon-hee' to the Cabinet meeting today (24th)," adding, "It is said that Han believes there are unconstitutional elements, such as only reflecting the opposition party's opinion in the special prosecutor recommendation."

Yonhap News

In response, Spokesperson Yoon pointed out, "None of this is true."

He mentioned that during the 'Special Prosecutor Appointment Act for the Investigation of the Lee Myung-bak Government's Purchase of the Naegok-dong Residence Site' there was a provision requiring 'written requests for candidate recommendations to the Democratic United Party,' and explained, "Although the recommendation right was entrusted not to the opposition party but to a specific party, there was no controversy over unconstitutionality."

Regarding the constitutional complaint on the 'Special Prosecutor Appointment Act for the Investigation of the Park Geun-hye Government's Suspicions of State Affairs Manipulation by Civilians such as Choi Soon-sil,' the Constitutional Court ruled that "the recommendation of special prosecutors excluding the ruling party does not violate the principle of due process."

Spokesperson Yoon urged, "Unless Acting President Han intends to protect treasonous forces, there is no reason to blindly follow the claims of the People Power Party," adding, "Follow precedents, rulings, and the voice of public opinion, not the unreasonable demands of treason sympathizers."

However, it is known that the government hopes this issue will be addressed through the ruling-opposition council and other channels. A government official said, "(Special prosecutors) are fundamentally a very political issue," and added, "If the ruling and opposition parties can reach an agreement, that would be the most desirable situation." Acting President Han is known to place importance on the fact that past special prosecutor laws were processed through procedural bipartisan agreements.

Earlier, Park Chan-dae, the Democratic Party floor leader, warned that if Acting President Han does not request the recommendation of candidates for the special prosecutor laws and the permanent special prosecutor for treason by today, impeachment proceedings will commence.