Human Rights Commission chief defends Yoon's defense rights recommendation

National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Ahn Chang-ho has voiced strong opposition to a proposal that seeks to abolish a past recommendation aimed at protecting the defense rights of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Ahn stated that revoking this recommendation could potentially damage the commission's independence and political neutrality, asserting that such a move requires careful consideration.

“

Abolishing this recommendation could undermine the commission's independence and political neutrality.

The contentious proposal, jointly put forth by five commission members, calls for the abolition of the "Recommendation on Guaranteeing Yoon Suk-yeol's Defense Rights," passed in February of the previous year, and demands a public apology. While the proposal was discussed at a full commission meeting, Ahn refused to put it on the agenda, citing concerns about its implications for the commission's integrity and public trust.

Ahn further defended the original recommendation by referencing events surrounding Yoon's arrest warrant. He acknowledged that a riot at the Western District Court was unacceptable but explained that some citizens protested the court's jurisdiction over the case. Ahn drew a parallel to the impeachment trial of former President Park Geun-hye, suggesting that the Constitutional Court had significantly limited defense rights by not allowing cross-examination and cutting witnesses. He argued that the recommendation was partly intended to prevent future incidents like the Western District Court riot.

“

The court riot is unacceptable, but the citizens' argument was about why the Central District Court's case was being heard at the Western District Court.

During a press briefing, Ahn also reflected on the impeachment process, suggesting that extending the deliberation period by a week or two in Yoon's case could have alleviated public doubts. He contrasted this with the impeachment of Park Geun-hye, where deliberations sometimes extended late into the night. Ahn, who served as a Constitutional Court justice during Park's impeachment, believes more effort could have been made in Yoon's case. Regarding calls for his resignation from commission staff, Ahn stated that not all employees are demanding his resignation and that he has no intention of stepping down.

“

The Constitutional Court significantly limited defense rights during the impeachment trial, not even allowing cross-examination and cutting witnesses.