Criminal Procedure Act Revision Passes National Assembly… PPP Boycotts, Launches Filibuster

The revised Criminal Procedure Act, which abolishes the prosecution's direct investigation and supplementary investigation powers, passed the plenary session of the National Assembly on the 31st. The bill was passed with 175 votes in favor, 2 against, and 1 abstention out of 178 members present, while the People Power Party boycotted the vote.

The key provisions involve completely eliminating the prosecution's direct investigation authority and revising the warrant request process to require a prior application by judicial police officers. The bill also includes a clause expanding the grounds for dismissal of indictment by the court to include 'serious illegal investigations,' thereby separating investigation from indictment.

People Power Party Floor Leader Jeong Jin-sok condemned the revision as the 'Lee Jae-myung Jailbreak Law' and urged President Lee Jae-myung to exercise his veto power. Presidential Office Secretary for Public Communication Sung Ki-hong stated that they respect the National Assembly's legislative process and will do their best to ensure the public can feel the change.