Main opposition party chief to reconsider prosecution reform bill

Apr 25, 2022, 09:22 am

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Lee Jun-seok, chairman of the main opposition People Power Party, speaks during a meeting of the Korean Medical Association, in Seoul on April 24, 2022./ Source: National Assembly Press Corps

AsiaToday reporter Lee Yoo-jin

Lee Jun-seok, chairman of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), said his party will review flaws in the prosecution reform bill, which was previously agreed by the two major parties.

Lee posted on his social media Sunday that he shared detailed opinions with several legal experts on the proposal over the weekend. “I think the concerns raised by prosecutors, including Justice Minister nominee Han Dong-hoon, are legitimate,” he wrote.

“The common opinion of the lawyers is that there are not only two things to be revised in the bill as claimed by the Democratic Party,” Lee said. “Front-line investigators who have to conduct investigations resent that their experiences and concerns were not reflected in the legislative process.”

“It is unreasonable to push further the legislation, as there is serious contrariety in the bills although they have been approved at the party’s general assembly,” Lee said. “It is not a matter that can be settled within a week.”

“Since the DP is now threatening politically using its power of majority, I respect the hard work of PPP floor leader Kweon Seong-dong, who has been engaged in uncontrollable negotiations,” he said. “We will reconsider the bill at the Supreme Council on Monday.”

“The DP cannot even make people understand what benefits are provided to them with the legislation,” Lee said. “Before the bill is pushed any further, we should hold a public hearing to collect opinions from legal experts and prosecutors.”

“I request the DP to hold a legislative hearing on the bill. If they refuse to accept a public hearing on such important matter, there must be a good reason,” he said.

#prosecution reform bill #Lee Jun-seok #People Power Party