Jeong Seong-ho expresses concern over the pace of amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act… corrections needed if side effects arise

Justice Minister Jeong Seongho said on the 3rd that the amended Criminal Procedure Act, which abolishes the prosecution's investigative authority, was processed very quickly, and that if side effects emerge after implementation, it should be promptly supplemented to suit onsite conditions. Speaking with reporters after the inauguration ceremony for newly appointed prosecutors held at the Ministry of Justice in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, Minister Jeong said that the criminal justice system is an important mechanism for protecting the people's lives, property, and safety, and expressed concern that protection for victims may not be sufficient. The amendment, which passed the National Assembly plenary session on the 31st of last month, includes the provision to eliminate investigative authority in line with the reorganization of the prosecution into the Office of Public Prosecutions in October. He explained that he did not participate in the National Assembly vote and said he had no plan to recommend that President Lee Jaemyung exercise veto power. He also said he was sorry about Acting Prosecutor General Koo Jahyun's expression of intent to resign, while urging prosecutors to carry out their assigned duties without wavering. Minister Jeong also repeated his intention to step down as minister due to health issues.