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Justice Minister: Abolishing prosecutors' investigative powers risks major problems
🇹🇷 Turkey /Elections & Politics

Justice Minister: Abolishing prosecutors' investigative powers risks major problems

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • South Korean Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho expressed deep concern over the abolition of prosecutors' investigative powers.
  • He warned that the move could lead to significant future problems and that the legal system might not adequately protect victims.
  • Jeong cited the rapid pace of the legislative amendment, contrasting it with the need for thorough procedural review.

South Korean Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho has voiced grave concerns regarding the recent amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, which effectively abolishes prosecutors' investigative powers. "I am truly worried. What will happen in the future? The problems will be enormous," Jeong stated during a meeting of the Supreme Court Justice Recommendation Committee.

I am truly worried. What will happen in the future? The problems will be enormous.

— Jeong Seong-hoExpressing concern about the abolition of prosecutors' investigative powers.

Jeong expressed his apprehension about the potential consequences, questioning how the nation would handle the fallout. He specifically addressed a judicial committee member, urging, "Judges must also investigate." He highlighted his fear that the swift legislative process, described as "at the speed of light," may have compromised procedural justice.

Speaking at a commissioning ceremony for new prosecutors the previous day, Jeong reiterated his concerns. He noted that this was the first time he had witnessed the Criminal Procedure Act being amended so rapidly. He warned that the changes could lead to negative side effects, such as victims' suffering worsening or their inadequate protection, and stressed the need for swift correction if the law proves impractical.

Judges must also investigate.

— Jeong Seong-hoAddressing a judicial committee member about the need for judicial involvement in investigations.

The amendment, which shifts primary investigative authority to the police, has been a contentious issue, with critics arguing it could weaken oversight and potentially lead to miscarriages of justice. The Justice Minister's strong public statements underscore the deep divisions and anxieties surrounding this significant reform of the South Korean legal system.

This is the first time the Criminal Procedure Act has been amended at the speed of light.

— Jeong Seong-hoCommenting on the rapid legislative process for the amendment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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