Seoul: The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a recently passed legal revision abolishing prosecutors' authority to conduct direct investigations, with President Lee Jae Myung calling it "the beginning of judicial normalization."
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Cabinet, presided over by Lee, approved the promulgation of the revision to the Criminal Procedure Act. The bill, which passed through the National Assembly last week, was boycotted by the main opposition People Power Party (PPP). It removes prosecutors' power to conduct direct investigations, transferring investigative authority solely to the police. Should a supplementary investigation be needed, the prosecution can request the police to carry out such investigations, allowing them up to two months for completion.
During the Cabinet meeting, Lee defended the revision as "the beginning of judicial normalization," signaling his intention to sign the bill into law despite the opposition party's calls for a veto. Lee emphasized that separating investigations from indictments is essential for correcting the criminal justice system's abnormalities.
The approval came a day after the PPP's Supreme Council meeting near Cheong Wa Dae, where they urged the president to veto the revision, arguing it would benefit criminals. Lee noted that presidential veto power should only be used when the constitutional order or separation of powers is at risk, which he argued was not the case with this bill.
Lee asserted that prosecutors have historically exercised "excessive" authority, leading to abuses of power. However, he warned that transferring investigative authority solely to the police could create unintended consequences and instructed officials to establish complementary systems to ensure transparency and effectiveness in police investigations.
The president emphasized that prosecutors should remain committed to defending public interest and human rights, while police must work to eradicate internal irregularities and protect victims. Lee stressed the importance of thoroughly overseeing the new system's implementation and promptly addressing any shortcomings.
Yoo Jae-seong, acting head of the National Police Agency, pledged to prepare for expanded police authority before the legal revision takes effect on Oct. 2. He vowed to enhance investigation transparency, cooperate with prosecutors, and introduce safeguards based on recommendations from human rights and police reform bodies.
Additionally, the Cabinet meeting addressed measures to protect citizens amid a severe heat wave. President Lee called for urgent action to safeguard lives, especially for underprivileged individuals and outdoor workers, emphasizing the need for expanded heat shelters and allowing workers to suspend work during excessive heat.