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South Korea's Democratic Party criticized over judicial reform and Supreme Court impeachment
Independent lawmaker Han Dong‑hoon accused the Democratic Party of pushing a criminal‑procedure law amendment as revenge for investigations into former President Roh Moo‑hyun and other Democratic politicians. The amendment, which would eliminate prosecutors' direct‑investigation authority, was introduced by the Democratic Party, passed the National Assembly on May 31 and is slated to take effect on Oct 2. President Lee Jae‑myung did not exercise a veto on the bill.
Democratic Party leadership candidate Song Young‑gil announced he will seek impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee‑dae, alleging the chief justice has refused to nominate judges, cooperated with martial‑law measures and interfered in elections. Song also criticised Cho’s handling of former President Lee Jae‑myung’s appeal, claiming the case was fast‑tracked to a guilty verdict for political reasons, and called for an authority‑dispute trial and a duty‑neglect indictment against Cho.
Entities
Cho Hee-dae · Cho Hee‑dae · Han Dong‑hoon · Lee Jae-myung · Lee Jae‑myung · Roh Moo‑hyun · Song Young-gil · Song Young‑gil
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] President Lee Jae‑myung did not exercise a veto on the amendment on May 4.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The amendment was passed by the National Assembly on May 31.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Song claimed Cho’s handling of Lee Jae‑myung’s appeal case was fast‑tracked to a guilty verdict for political reasons. www.seoul.co.kr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Han Dong‑hoon accused the Democratic Party of pursuing the criminal‑procedure amendment out of revenge for investigations into former President Roh Moo‑hyun and other Democratic politicians.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The criminal‑procedure amendment would abolish prosecutors' direct‑investigation authority.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The amendment will take effect on Oct 2, when the Public Prosecutor's Office and Serious Crime Investigation Office start operating under the new rules.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Song Young‑gil announced he will pursue impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee‑dae. www.seoul.co.kr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Song accused Cho of refusing to nominate Supreme Court judges, cooperating with martial‑law measures, and interfering in elections. www.seoul.co.kr