People Power Party Launches Full Offensive for Supplementary Investigation Rights... Cautious Voices Within Democratic Party Add Uncertainty

Opposition Party: "Firmly Opposed to Abolishing Supplementary Investigation Rights"
Hong Ki-won of the Ruling Party Proposes Amendment for Partial Retention

The ruling party is pushing to pass an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act that centers on abolishing the prosecution’s supplementary investigation rights, prompting the opposition party to firmly declare its opposition. Dissent has also emerged within the ruling party itself, creating new variables in the legislative process.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the forum titled 'Investigation Gap Revealed by the Jang Yoon-ki Case and the Need for Supplementary Investigation Rights,' held at the National Assembly on the 14th.

On the 14th, the People Power Party held a seminar at the National Assembly entitled 'Investigation Gaps Revealed by the Jang Yoon-ki Incident and the Necessity of Supplementary Investigation Rights.' The event was intended to examine the investigative limitations exposed by the Jang Yoon-ki incident and to discuss the need for prosecutorial supplementary investigation rights. Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk stated at the event, "If all investigative powers are transferred to the police, granting them absolute authority, we will create a monster police force." Floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik also said, "We are firmly opposed to the abolition of supplementary investigation rights."

The People Power Party reached an internal consensus at a general meeting of its lawmakers the previous afternoon to introduce an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act this week. The proposal would maintain the prosecution’s supplementary investigation authority and require that all cases be referred to the prosecution under an “all-cases referral” system. Choi Eun-seok, senior party spokesperson, said, "The legislative support team has provided supplementary opinions on the prepared draft, so after internal review, we intend to submit it as soon as possible." However, he added, "There is a possibility that the timing of the proposal could change."

Within the Democratic Party of Korea, a cautious approach toward full abolition of supplementary investigation rights is spreading. On this day, Assemblyman Hong Ki-won held a press conference to announce that he has sponsored a bill to allow for partial retention of supplementary investigation rights in cases such as certain serious crimes, voice phishing, and those close to the statute of limitations. He stated, "In addition to the 11 co-sponsors, there are several other lawmakers in our party who share these views," adding, "While there is agreement on the direction, some were unable to participate for various reasons."

This sentiment among the ruling party was also apparent at a closed-door meeting of the first subcommittee of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held the previous day. Although only pro-government lawmakers participated, there was heated debate over whether supplementary investigation rights should be retained, and the Ministry of Justice reportedly expressed concerns at the meeting. Later in the afternoon, the Democratic Party plans to hold a general meeting of its lawmakers to continue in-depth discussions on the issue.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.