Seoul: South Korea's Cabinet has approved a bill that effectively strips prosecutors of their investigative powers, marking a significant shift in the country's criminal justice system. This move is part of a broader effort by the government to reform the judiciary and redistribute investigative authority.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the approved bill is viewed as a pivotal step in overhauling the criminal justice landscape, a process that has been ongoing for 78 years. The reform seeks to decentralize the power held by prosecutors and enhance the role of police in handling criminal complaints, which, starting in October, can be filed directly with law enforcement agencies.

The decision to limit the prosecution's investigative capabilities has been met with varied reactions. President Lee has hailed the reform as "justice taking its course," reflecting the administration's commitment to judicial reform. This move is also seen as an attempt to address longstanding criticisms of the concentration of power within the prosecution, which has been accused of abuses in the past.

The changes are part of a broader initiative to establish a more balanced criminal justice system. The Cabinet's approval of the revised Criminal Procedure Act is intended to lay the groundwork for this transformation. The government has also announced plans to supply 50,000 new homes, as part of its broader agenda to address economic and social issues in the country.

While the reform is a significant shift, the process of overhauling South Korea's criminal justice system is still ongoing. Officials acknowledge that while the legislative changes are a critical step forward, there is still much work to be done to ensure that these reforms are effectively implemented and achieve their intended outcomes.