Seoul: The ruling Democratic Party (DP) is poised to advance key prosecution reform bills aimed at separating investigative and indictment powers during a plenary session. This move comes despite protests from the main opposition party, which has expressed strong opposition to the proposed changes.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the reform bills are part of a broader government reorganization plan that will dismantle the current prosecution service structure by October and establish new investigative and indictment agencies. This overhaul represents a significant shift in the country's approach to prosecutorial powers.
In response to the DP's push, the main opposition People Power Party is expected to initiate a filibuster. This tactic could be employed if the Democratic Party attempts to introduce the bills for establishing a serious crimes investigation agency and an indictment agency during the session. The DP's parliamentary majority, however, might allow for the passage of these bills despite opposition efforts.
Additionally, the Democratic Party intends to advocate for a parliamentary investigation into allegations of fabricated indictments under the current administration. The investigation would focus on the 2015 Daejang-dong development project in Seongnam and an alleged illegal remittance to North Korea in 2019. These issues have raised significant political controversy and the DP seeks to address them through legislative inquiry.
A filibuster, which involves extended speeches by lawmakers to delay or block legislative action, can be halted if at least 180 parliament members consent, under the National Assembly Act. The outcome of this political maneuvering will depend heavily on the ability of both parties to rally support among lawmakers.