Seoul:A bill calling for a special counsel investigation into allegations of fabricated indictments targeting President Lee Jae Myung and others was presented at a plenary session of the National Assembly on Thursday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the bill was introduced by Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik despite objections from the main opposition People Power Party (PPP). The ruling Democratic Party (DP), which holds a majority in the Assembly, is expected to lead the vote. In response, the PPP immediately commenced a filibuster.
The bill, initially introduced by the DP in April, seeks to appoint an independent counsel to examine claims that the prosecution under former President Yoon Suk Yeol fabricated evidence or induced false testimonies against then-opposition leader Lee and others. The special prosecutor would investigate the prosecution's indictments in 12 cases, six of which involve the president. These charges relate to allegations from his tenure as mayor of Seongnam or governor of Gyeonggi Province, involving corrupt development schemes, illegal remittances to North Korea, and misuse of a government charge card.
Trials related to these charges were suspended following Lee's election as president in June last year, in accordance with Article 84 of the Constitution, which exempts a sitting president from criminal prosecution except in cases of insurrection or treason. The remaining six cases involve incidents during former President Moon Jae-in's administration.
The PPP has strongly opposed the bill, viewing it as a means to nullify all of Lee's indictments. Beyond launching a filibuster, the party has promised to escalate its protest outside the National Assembly. PPP floor leader Jeong Jeom-sig criticized the bill as an "anticonstitutional coup" and a means to pressure the judiciary to predetermine acquittals.
Initially, the DP included a clause allowing the special prosecutor to cancel indictments but removed it amid backlash. Nevertheless, the PPP contends that the special counsel's findings could prompt the justice ministry or prosecution to drop charges.
If passed, it will be the seventh appointment of an independent counsel since Lee's inauguration. Previous investigations have included inquiries into Yoon's attempted martial law imposition, his wife's alleged corruption, and a ballot shortage during local elections. The new special prosecutor would be chosen by Lee from candidates recommended by the DP, PPP, and the minor Rebuilding Korea Party, with a team of up to 309 personnel working for a maximum of 200 days.