"Investigations Solely for Prosecution and Indictments to Rationalize Investigations Must Be Eliminated"
"Prosecutor General Must Have Firm Will and Passion for Prosecution Reform"
Justice Minister Sung Ho Jung is saluting the national flag at the inauguration ceremony held at the Government Complex Gwacheon on the 21st. Photo by Yonhap News
Newly appointed Justice Minister Jung Sung Ho stated, "Investigations conducted solely for the purpose of prosecution and excessive indictments pursued for the sake of rationalizing investigations must be eliminated."
At the inauguration ceremony held on the 21st, Minister Jung said, "It is time to resolve the issue of separating investigative and prosecutorial powers and put an end to the exhausting debates over prosecution reform. The prosecution must reflect objectively on whether there have been any citizens who have suffered injustice due to improper investigations or indictments, whether prosecutorial power has been exercised with due caution, and whether there has been any abuse of prosecutorial authority. The prosecution should be reborn as an 'institution for the protection of human rights.'"
He continued, "As representatives of the public interest who bear the duty of objectivity, prosecutors must be held strictly accountable if there are any illegal acts of human rights violations during investigations or prosecutions. We must clear away what needs to be cleared away and take responsibility where it is due as we move forward."
However, Minister Jung also stressed that the process of prosecution reform must be meticulously designed to ensure that no blind spots in crime response arise, and that there are no side effects such as inadequate or delayed investigations.
Minister Jung emphasized, "The 'people' must always be at the center of reform," and urged, "We must also seek ways to effectively utilize the capabilities of all national investigative agencies as assets for the people, without undermining their ability to respond to crime."
Additionally, Minister Jung stated, "The next candidate for Prosecutor General must possess a firm will and passion for prosecution reform."
He added, "The most important thing for the candidate is the determination to protect the human rights of the people and to uphold the Constitution." Regarding whether he would consider withdrawing the prosecution's indictment in the ongoing case involving President Lee Jaemyung, he said, "This is not the time to think about such matters. I will first familiarize myself with the work and discuss how to proceed with prosecution reform."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
