[Anchor]
Judges have voiced public opposition to the parliamentary investigation into Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-de pushed by the ruling party. Even a progressive-leaning judge who previously called for Chief Justice Cho's resignation has raised his voice in criticism, calling it an infringement on judicial independence.
Reporter Kwon Min-kyu has the details.
[Reporter]
Jeong Uk-do, a senior judge at the Seoul Northern District Court, posted a message titled "To Ruling Party Officials" on the court's internal communication network yesterday (November 2).
In the post, Judge Jeong stated, "I can well imagine the shock, horror, and anger of the ruling party regarding the Supreme Court ruling concerning President Lee Jae-myung."
However, Judge Jeong expressed opposition to discussions on impeaching Chief Justice Cho Hee-de and pushing for a parliamentary investigation, pointing out that cornering the judiciary over dissatisfaction with individual trials is "an infringement on judicial independence."
He also argued that abusing constitutional powers under the pretext of suppressing anti-state forces is "no different from the ringleader of an insurrection who declared martial law under the excuse of anti-state forces."
Judge Jeong is classified as belonging to the so-called "progressive" faction, having previously demanded the resignation of Chief Justice Cho Hee-de.
Earlier on October 30, Senior Judge Sung Chan-yong posted a message citing the novel "Animal Farm" regarding the restructuring of the criminal justice system, writing, "We must proudly stand up against unfair attacks." More than 30 judges, including three current court presidents, left comments expressing agreement.
While posts with a different tone—such as "We must first examine the process by which the judiciary lost the public's trust"—were also uploaded, the fallout is growing as even a post calling for the convocation of the National Conference of Judges appeared today.
The regular meeting of the National Conference of Judges is scheduled for December 7, and discussions regarding the parliamentary investigation and other related issues are expected to take place at this gathering.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
(Reported by Yang Hyun-chul | Video by Park Na-young | Graphics by Kim Han-gil)
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