▲ Acting Democratic Party leader and floor leader Han Byung-do speaks on completing prosecution reform during a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 22nd.
Acting Democratic Party leader and floor leader Han Byung-do stated, "'Prosecutors do not investigate' is the starting point and the completion of prosecution reform, which separates investigation and indictment."
Speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly today (the 22nd), Acting Leader Han remarked, "There is not a single disagreement within the party regarding this grand principle."
He emphasized, "Detailed differences in perception must not shake the principle of separating investigation and indictment or become a means to revive the prosecutors' investigative powers. There is only fierce debate to build a better system, such as methods for mutual checks and cooperation among investigative agencies and measures to protect victims."
He added, "I have also listened closely to arguments that supplementary investigation rights are necessary to protect victims, and I deeply sympathize with the desperate voices insisting that not a single victim should be left in the gaps of the system."
He continued, "Precisely for that reason, victim protection must never be left to the good intentions or discretion of a specific agency. We must build a system where anyone receives uniform and robust protection from the state."
Pointing out that "arguments that victims can only be protected when prosecutors directly investigate are proven untrue when looking back at the dark past of the prosecution," Acting Leader Han criticized, "There are also countless cases that prosecutors have ignored, minimized, or covered up the truth of."
He stressed, "The Democratic Party will materialize the right to request supplementary investigation and clarify responsibilities so that investigative agencies faithfully and promptly execute those requests. We will establish control and cooperation mechanisms suited to the new criminal justice system."
Specifically, he explained, "We will establish a 'cross-investigation system' where the police and the Serious Crime Investigation Agency check each other, and strengthen investigative deliberations and external audits. We will also more strongly guarantee victims' rights to file objections, inspect records, and receive legal assistance."
He added, "Discussions have matured sufficiently, and now is the time to gather the party's general consensus into one."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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