Order to Form Teams for Prosecution and Ministry of the Interior
Prime Minister Kim Minseok: "Consider Preparing a Special Investigation Headquarters"
Prime Minister Kim: "Fabricated Indictments in West Sea Killing Case... Prosecutors Need to Be Inspected"
President Lee Jaemyung pointed out, "Violations of constitutional principles and the direct involvement and collusion of religion in politics are serious issues that threaten the future of democracy in our society and the future of the nation."
On the 30th, during the first Cabinet meeting held at the presidential office, President Lee made these remarks in response to Prime Minister Kim Minseok's emphasis on the need for a strong response to 'collusion between politics and religion.'
Prime Minister Kim stated, "If you look closely at the process leading to insurrection, it seems that the destabilization of state affairs accumulated through shamanistic politics and political-religious collusion." He added, "I strongly believe this is an opportunity to uproot such practices." He continued, "Recently, there have been discussions in political circles about a special investigation into the Unification Church, and also about including Shincheonji as a subject of such an investigation. I believe this is a positive development and have been observing the situation. However, I am concerned that it may not progress well due to political strife."
He also called for considering the establishment of a special investigation headquarters at the government level. Prime Minister Kim said, "I expect the political community to reach a good conclusion, but we must also prepare for the possibility that it may not happen. If necessary, we should consider preparing a special investigation headquarters at the government level."
Regarding the recent acquittals of key officials from the Moon Jaein administration who had been indicted in connection with the killing of a public official in the West Sea and the repatriation of North Korean fishermen in the East Sea, he also made remarks suggesting these were 'effectively fabricated indictments.'
Prime Minister Kim emphasized, "At this point, it has been acknowledged that the National Intelligence Service and the prosecution committed wrongdoing to the extent that it could be seen as abuse of inspection authority, excessive application of legal principles, and effectively fabricated indictments. As we approach the end of the year, it is necessary to bring closure to these matters."
He went on to say, "Isn't it only natural for the prosecution, which investigated these cases, to forgo an appeal? The Ministry of Justice should review whether the prosecutors who conducted the investigations acted properly, and whether further inspection or corrective measures are needed."
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