Seoul: The leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) announced on Tuesday that the party plans to present prosecution reform bills, which focus on the separation of investigative and indictment powers, for a vote at the National Assembly plenary session this week. Rep. Jung Chung-rae stated that the DP, holding a majority in the National Assembly, aims to introduce these key prosecution reform bills during a plenary session scheduled for Thursday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, these bills are a continuation of a government reorganization law designed to dismantle the existing prosecution service structure by October and establish new investigative and indictment agencies in the same timeframe. "The party, the government, and Cheong Wa Dae reached a compromise through close consultations," Jung explained during a press briefing, noting that provisions causing public concern were either removed or revised.
Jung highlighted that the bills intend to completely separate the powers of investigation and indictment traditionally held by prosecutors. The proposed indictment agency would strip prosecutors of their authority to direct police investigations or intervene in ongoing probes. This move is expected to significantly reduce the prosecution's powers, which have historically included the ability to indict suspects, carry out investigations, direct police operations, and request arrest warrants for nearly 80 years.
Jung emphasized the importance of compromise with the government and Cheong Wa Dae, following calls from Lee Jae Myung for a cautious approach to the reform efforts. On Monday, Lee opposed aggressive demands to rename the prosecutor general as the "chief of the indictment agency" or to dismiss and reappoint prosecutors through a screening process.