South Korea's Ruling Party Adopts Bill to Strip Prosecution of Direct Investigation Rights

SEOUL, July 24 (Yonhap) -- The ruling Democratic Party (DP) on Friday adopted as its official party line a revision to the Criminal Procedure Act aimed at stripping the prosecution of its right to conduct direct investigations, including supplementary investigations.

During a policy meeting of its lawmakers, the DP decided to pursue the revision, according to the party's floor spokesperson, Rep. Lee Ju-hee. Under the proposed revision, the prosecution's right to conduct supplementary investigations will be abolished while measures to better protect victims will be expanded amid concerns that negative effects could arise if all of the prosecution's investigative rights are scrapped.

The party also agreed to swiftly push for a revision to an act on the serious crimes investigation agency to establish a dedicated team within the agency that will be allowed to conduct supplementary investigations on crimes targeting socially vulnerable people.

The DP earlier finalized its position on abolishing the prosecution's supplementary investigative authority despite concerns among some party lawmakers that it could weaken protection for victims.

Observers said the bill is expected to be put to a vote at a plenary session as early as next Thursday after a review by the National Assembly's legislation and judiciary committee.

The DP has been pushing ahead with the prosecution reform legislation that calls for dismantling the prosecution and creating two new agencies each tasked with handling investigations and indictments.