Korean Bar Association Urges Recommendation and Appointment of Permanent Special Prosecutor
The Korean Bar Association (KBA) on the 7th urged the swift launch of a permanent special prosecutor regarding the 'December 3 Emergency Martial Law Incident,' calling for Acting President Choi Sang-mok to recommend and appoint the permanent special prosecutor.
On the same day, KBA President Kim Young-hoon held a press conference at the KBA Hall in Seocho-gu, Seoul, stating, "It has been almost a month since the permanent special prosecutor proposal was sent to the Presidential Office, but President Yoon Seok-yeol and Acting Presidents Han Deok-su and Choi Sang-mok have remained silent and evasive, which is a clear dereliction of duty." The permanent special prosecutor bill was passed in the National Assembly on December 10 last year with 209 votes in favor.
President Kim said, "According to the Special Prosecutor Act, the recommendation for the permanent special prosecutor must be made immediately, and the appointment of the recommended candidate must be completed within three days. Despite being aware of the appointment procedure, the recommendation has not been carried out without any special reason, and no one is even pointing this out."
He added, "The stalemate in the appointment of the permanent special prosecutor seems to be due to insubordination that pressures the acting president instead of properly fulfilling the duty to assist under the acting system. Structural reform and decisive action regarding this issue are necessary."
On the same day, the KBA also announced its legal support plan related to the Muan Jeju Air disaster. The KBA's Special Committee on Life Respect and Disaster Safety discussed legal support measures with the Gwangju Bar Association on the day of the accident and decided to form a 'Legal Support Team' to provide legal assistance. Additionally, the KBA plans to recommend specialized lawyers to participate in the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board to represent the bereaved families with expertise.
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