Democratic Party to Proceed as Scheduled with Bill to Abolish Prosecutors’ Supplementary Investigation Rights

The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to proceed as planned with an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act that would completely abolish prosecutors' supplementary investigation authority. Party leadership said it would make the right to request supplementary investigations more substantive in response to concerns about victim protection. Acting party leader and floor leader Han Byungdo said at the National Assembly on the 22nd, emphasizing the principle of separation between investigation and prosecution, that this was not a move to restore prosecutors' direct investigative authority. Instead, he explained that the party would clarify responsibility so that investigative agencies promptly carry out requests for supplementary investigation. Inside the party, there were also opinions that supplementary investigation authority should be allowed exceptionally, but the leadership maintained its position. Along with guaranteeing victims' right to file objections, right to review records, and right to legal assistance, the Democratic Party also mentioned measures to strengthen investigation reviews and external inspections. The bill process is being viewed as aiming to be completed before the 8/17 party convention.