One Month in Office, Press Conference at the Blue House State Guest House
"Little Public Opposition to Prosecution Reform... A Self-Inflicted Consequence"
At a press conference marking one month since his inauguration, President Lee Jaemyung stated that he has no objections to separating the investigative and prosecutorial powers of the prosecution, and he believes it is possible to establish the framework for prosecution reform before Chuseok.
At the press conference held at the State Guest House of the Blue House on July 3, President Lee made these remarks in response to a question about how he views some hardline lawmakers and party leader candidates from the ruling party insisting that prosecution reform must be completed before Chuseok. President Lee said, "It may be possible to establish the framework of the system by then. If the National Assembly proceeds, there is nothing I can do about it," adding, "However, it will take quite some time for a perfect system to take root, but the important thing is that it can be organized by then."
President Lee further emphasized, "Prosecution reform is the responsibility of the National Assembly. Since it involves changing the system, it is not an issue to be decided through compromise within the government," and added, "Because it is a matter for the National Assembly to make a legislative decision, the role of the government is to minimize the conflicts and side effects that may result."
President Lee also shared his thoughts on the justification for prosecution reform. He stated, "(As a legal professional myself,) I have made a living for decades by being involved in lawsuits," and continued, "Many things have become outdated and no longer fit the times. Investigations conducted with the sole aim of indictment, or manipulating cases to fit indictments, must never be allowed."
He went on to say, "There is a long-standing legal maxim that 'it is better to let ten criminals go free than to wrongfully convict one innocent person,' which highlights the importance of human rights," and added, "Even during the Moon Jaein administration, there seemed to be considerable public opinion asking, 'Why are you taking these powers away?' but now, that sentiment appears to have diminished." He also assessed this as a kind of self-inflicted consequence.
Meanwhile, regarding personnel issues related to inspection during the prosecution reform process, President Lee said, "I believe it would be useful to have someone within the presidential office and the government who understands the government well, so that the process can proceed smoothly and swiftly," and added, "Any civil servant, as a career official, must ultimately comply with the will of the elected authority."
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