Seoul: The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a revised bill adjusting the role of a new government agency that would replace the prosecution, following criticism that it would be effectively no different from the current prosecution service.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the government has been advocating for the separation of the prosecution service's exclusive authority over both indictment and investigation. This move comes amid criticism that such power is too excessive, as prosecutors could initiate their own investigations even in the absence of a formal complaint.
The newly proposed serious crimes investigation agency and a separate indictment agency are slated for establishment in October, as part of a government reorganization bill that was approved by the National Assembly last September. The revised bill stipulates that the investigation agency will focus on six major types of crimes, excluding those involving public officials, elections, and large-scale disasters. This change addresses concerns that the new agency's powers could overlap with those of existing agencies.
Initially, the proposal allowed the agency to manage nine categories of major crimes, including corruption and insurrection. The government is now planning to submit the revised bill to the National Assembly for further deliberation.
In a separate move, the Cabinet also approved a bill imposing penalties for spreading misinformation about victims of sexual slavery by Japan during World War II. The new legislation stipulates up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won (US$34,100) for those disseminating false information through various media, including newspapers, broadcasts, exhibits, and rallies.