"Uncovering the Truth as Soon as Possible, Regardless of Investigation Extension"
The Special Prosecutor's Office for the Insurrection Case (led by Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok) announced on September 12 that it is "actively considering applying for live broadcasting of the trial of former President Yoon Sukyeol, who is accused of being the ringleader of the insurrection, in order to fulfill the public's right to know."
Park Jiyoung, Deputy Special Prosecutor, made this statement during a regular briefing on the same day. However, she added, "I understand that broadcasting requires the necessary conditions in the courtroom system," and continued, "We will make a decision on whether to apply for broadcasting after considering these factors comprehensively."
Previously, the Criminal Division 25 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Ji Guyoun), which is in charge of the insurrection-related trials including that of former President Yoon, requested a review of the application for live broadcasting of the trial.
Regarding the passage of the amendment to the Special Prosecutor Act in the National Assembly, Park stated, "Regardless of the extension of the investigation period, we will do our best to uncover the truth as soon as possible," and added, "We will accelerate efforts to uncover the truth so as not to disappoint the public's expectations."
The previous day, the amendment to the Special Prosecutor Act-which includes extending the investigation period for the three major special investigations (Insurrection, Kim Keonhee, and Chae Sangbyeong) by an additional 30 days and increasing the number of investigators-passed the National Assembly's plenary session, led by the Democratic Party of Korea. The amendment also added a provision allowing for mitigation or exemption of punishment for those among the investigation targets who surrender themselves or report others.
Regarding the increase in investigative personnel, Deputy Special Prosecutor Park stated, "Currently, the Insurrection Special Prosecutor's team is operating with nearly the full number of dispatched prosecutors and investigators as stipulated by law," and added, "As a result, I understand that the situation at local prosecutors' offices may not be favorable." She continued, "The introduction of a mandatory mitigation system for those who surrender or cooperate with the investigation will be of great help in uncovering the truth behind the insurrection," and added, "We ask for the active cooperation of all related parties so that we can discover the substantive truth."
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