Former Prosecutors General Demand Abolition of 'Extra-Legal' Investigation Team

A group of former prosecutors general has issued a strong condemnation of a fact-finding team established under the Prosecutor's Office Future Committee, labeling it an "extra-legal" entity that infringes on judicial authority and threatens the foundations of the rule of law. They are demanding the immediate and complete 폐기 (abolition) of related guidelines and regulations.

In a statement released on July 8, former prosecutors including Hong Seung-wook, Kim Yu-cheol, Shin Bong-soo, and Song Kyung-ho urged the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Prosecutors' Office to cease actions that undermine the rule of law under the guise of human rights and future reforms. They specifically targeted the "Guidelines on the Composition and Operation of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office Investigation Team for Fact-Finding on Allegations of Human Rights Infringement or Abuse of Power" and the "Regulations on the Prosecutor's Office Future Committee for Respecting Human Rights."

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The Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Prosecutors' Office must immediately stop the act of undermining the rule of law hidden behind the pretense of human rights and future reform.

The former officials suspect these measures are an attempt to circumvent parliamentary deadlock on the "prosecution indictment cancellation special prosecutor law," which failed to gain consensus due to constitutional and legal disputes. They argue that the investigation team's inquiries into cases currently under judicial review could constitute interference with ongoing trials. Furthermore, granting the team powers to seize evidence is seen as an abuse of authority.

Concerns were also raised about the team's leadership, with a prosecutor from the Ministry of Justice serving as the investigation team leader, casting doubt on its political neutrality and independence. The potential for unlimited, prolonged investigations due to the absence of a cap on extensions further fueled worries about excessive oversight.

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We strongly urge the complete abolition of the extra-legal guidelines and regulations that infringe upon the authority of the judiciary and shake the foundations of the rule of law system, and to defend a fair judicial order within the framework of due process established by the Constitution and laws.