Prosecutor-General Moon Moo-il slams fast-tracking of reform bills
SEOUL, May 1 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutor-General Moon Moo-il on Wednesday criticized reform bills that have been fast-tracked in the parliament, saying they fly in the face of democracy.
In a statement released by the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Moon said these bills, including one aimed at empowering police, "run counter to the democratic principles of checks and balances." Moon added that the process of criminal justice must follow these democratic values.
"As prosecutor-general, I couldn't help but feel concerned about the ongoing discussions on our criminal justice system at the National Assembly," Moon said. "I hope the National Assembly will hold discussions based on democratic principles and make progress that will further protect our people's basic rights."

In this file photo from April 8, 2019, Prosecutor-General Moon Moo-il enters the Supreme Prosecutors' Office building in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Moon appears to have taken shots at a bill that would enhance the police's authority to conduct probes and another that would see the establishment of a special investigative unit to look into allegations of corruption by high-ranking officials.
It had been generally believed that the prosecution would be opposed to these bills, and Moon's statement Wednesday was the first direct criticism from the prosecution.
Under the bill on the police, the police would be empowered to initiate and close cases without approval from the prosecution. Moon said this arrangement may end up giving the police excessive power without any measures to keep them in check.
Moon has been on a tour through Oman, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Ecuador since Sunday for talks on extradition treaties and mutual legal assistance treaties.
(END)
-
Nuclear envoys of S. Korea, U.S., Japan condemn N. Korea's stipulation of nuclear policy
-
BTS' Jungkook to drop 2nd solo single
-
Opposition leader Lee again proposes talks with President Yoon
-
BTS' Jungkook to release first solo album 'Golden'
-
Unification ministry uses metaverse to recreate hometowns of elderly S. Koreans hailing from North
-
Unification ministry uses metaverse to recreate hometowns of elderly S. Koreans hailing from North
-
Police launch belated probe into another teacher's suicide after parental harassment
-
(LEAD) S. Korea's Coast Guard apprehends 22 Chinese after illegal entry attempt
-
(LEAD) N. Korea stipulates nuclear force-building policy in constitution
-
79 pct of young S. Koreans agree on need to improve ties with Japan: poll
-
Defense ministry warns N. Korea will face end of regime in event of nuclear use attempt
-
N. Korea slams U.S. over Pentagon document calling regime 'persistent' threat
-
(LEAD) S. Korea's Coast Guard apprehends 22 Chinese after illegal entry attempt
-
(Asiad) S. Korea beat 10-man Uzbekistan in men's football semis, reach brink of 3rd straight gold
-
(LEAD) U.S. House votes to remove Speaker McCarthy after pushback over stopgap spending measure