The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has put on hold, for now, the formation of the "Constitution-respecting government innovation task force (TF)" to investigate public officials who took part in the Dec. 3 martial law.
According to the NHRC on the 25th, the 21st plenary committee the previous day put the TF's establishment to a vote but concluded with re-submission.
Commissioner Han Seok-hun verbally proposed introducing the agenda item, and Commissioners Kim Yong-won and Lee Han-byeol joined as co-sponsors, but Chairperson Ahn Chang-ho and Commissioners Kang Jeong-hye and Kim Yong-jik cast opposing votes. After opinions were raised that the procedure was inappropriate, it was decided to deliberate and vote again on the TF establishment agenda at the 22nd plenary committee meeting on Dec. 1.
The Lee Jae-myung administration formed a TF, saying it would investigate allegations that public officials took part in the Dec. 3 martial law. A control TF was placed under the Prime Minister's Office, and separate TFs were set up at 48 central administrative agencies. The NHRC, as an independent body, may decide autonomously whether to establish a TF.