The Democratic Party of Korea will hold a public briefing on Aug. 3 after the Criminal Procedure Act amendment bill, which includes abolishing prosecutors' supplementary investigation authority and banning direct investigations, passes the National Assembly plenary session today. The party also plans to set up an internal body to strengthen the rights and interests of crime victims.
Han Byeong-do, the Democratic Party floor leader and acting party leader, said at the supreme council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 31st, "The Criminal Procedure Act amendment bill will finally pass the National Assembly plenary session today (the 31st)," and added, "The amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act is not the end of prosecution reform but the start of a new criminal justice system."
He added, "On Aug. 3 we will hold a public briefing on the Criminal Procedure Act amendment bill to report in detail to the public what will change and what follow-up measures we will pursue," and said, "We will also establish an in-party body to strengthen the rights and interests of crime victims who are members of socially vulnerable groups."
Han said, "A criminal justice system that had been prosecutor-centered for more than 70 years will be set right as a criminal justice system of the people, by the people, and for the people," calling it "a historic turning point that separates investigation and indictment and places prosecutorial power under the control of the Constitution and the public."
He continued, "The Democratic Party will meticulously handle follow-up statutes and institutional maintenance so that the Public Prosecution Service and the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency can be launched stably on Oct. 2, and we will fulfill our responsibility to the end," adding, "We will respond with speed on livelihoods and with results on reform."