President Lee Jae Myung backs Criminal Procedure Act revision to strip prosecutors of investigative power

President Lee Jae Myung stated on Tuesday that a recently passed revision to the Criminal Procedure Act represents the start of judicial normalization. The legislation abolishes the authority of prosecutors to conduct direct investigations, including supplementary investigations, and leaves investigative duties solely to the police. President Lee signaled his intention to sign the bill into law despite calls from the opposition party for a presidential veto.

During a Cabinet meeting, the president argued that separating investigations from indictments is necessary to normalize an abnormal criminal justice system. He asserted that prosecutors have exercised excessive authority for decades, which led to the abuse of power to target or cover up certain cases. Regarding the veto, Lee stated that such power should only be used when the constitutional order or the separation of powers is threatened, and he concluded that this bill does not warrant such action.

While supporting the reform, the president warned that transferring investigative authority solely to the police could create unintended consequences. He instructed officials to develop complementary systems to ensure transparency and capability in police investigations. He also emphasized that prosecutors must remain faithful to their roles as defenders of human rights and the public interest, while police must work to eliminate internal irregularities.

Additionally, President Lee ordered measures to protect citizens during an unprecedented heat wave. With temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, he described the situation as a state disaster and called for special protections for outdoor workers and underprivileged people.