Democratic Party forms task force on abolishing prosecution's supplementary investigation rights amid internal caution

The Democratic Party announced on Tuesday the formation of an internal task force to deliberate on revising the Criminal Procedure Act, focusing on the abolition of the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights. This move signals a push to finalize what is described as the "last puzzle piece" of prosecutorial reform.

“

We will launch a task force centered on the floor leadership, policy committee, and legislation and judiciary committee to begin practical discussions.

However, a cautious approach is emerging within the party. Some members, including Rep. Kim Young-jin, a close associate of party leader Lee Jae-myung, have voiced concerns about rushing the process. Kim suggested that the timing for such a significant change needs more careful deliberation, especially considering the need to revise related enforcement decrees and guidelines.

“

The last puzzle piece of prosecutorial reform, the revision of the Criminal Procedure Act, will be quickly finalized.

Former President Moon Jae-in also weighed in, advising the government during a lunch with President Lee Jae-myung to pursue prosecutorial reform with "meticulousness and thoroughness" to prevent adverse effects on the public. This sentiment is echoed by several lawmakers who have privately expressed worries about the complete abolition of supplementary investigation rights. One first-term lawmaker proposed a conditional approach, allowing supplementary investigations only for cases where police have already recommended indictment, while limiting other requests to supplementary investigation rights only, excluding separate investigations.

“

The legislation and judiciary committee's own bills will be put on the agenda next week and sent to the subcommittee. The Criminal Procedure Act is included.

Legal experts within the party also highlighted potential issues, questioning how to handle situations involving the risk of evidence destruction, imminent statutes of limitations, or significant human rights violations by the police if supplementary investigations are entirely abolished. These discussions underscore a growing internal debate about the pace and scope of the proposed reforms.

“

It is not appropriate to set a deadline too hastily and proceed that way.