Ruling Party Vows to Pass Abolition of Supplementary Investigation Rights This Week, Signals Intensified Standoff

Han Byungdo: "It Will Be Passed This Week, No Matter What"

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea has announced its intention to push ahead with the passage of an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act that would completely abolish the supplementary investigation rights of prosecutors. Discussions are also expected on a bill concerning the appointment of a special prosecutor regarding the ‘ballot paper shortage incident’ in the 9th nationwide local elections, which is expected to further intensify the standoff between the ruling and opposition parties.

The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee convened a full session on July 27, appointing a secretary from the main opposition party (People Power Party) and bringing over 50 bills to the table, including the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act and the special prosecutor act regarding the National Election Commission. The bills, such as the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act and the special prosecutor bill, are scheduled to be discussed in the bill subcommittee starting in the afternoon of the same day.

The ruling party plans to push the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act through the plenary session of the National Assembly scheduled for July 30. Han Byungdo, the Democratic Party’s floor leader, stated at the Supreme Council meeting on the morning of July 27, “We will ensure the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, the final piece of prosecution reform, is dealt with at this week's plenary session.”

The People Power Party plans to block the bill using every means available, including an unlimited debate (filibuster). Jeong Jeom-sik, the People Power Party's floor leader, said, “President Lee Jaemyung was initially cautious about abolishing supplementary investigation rights, but he abruptly reversed his position to comply with the hardliners' demands. This can only be explained by the intention to withdraw indictments.”

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho, who has recently been rumored to have expressed his intention to resign, was also present at the meeting, drawing public attention. Minister Jeong was reserved in his comments on the resignation speculation. Speaking to reporters, he said, “The President is working hard overseas for the national interest,” and added, “(Expressing intent to resign) is not an important issue.”

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