Top prosecutor Moon Moo-il said Monday the prosecution would improve its decision-making process following internal strife over an investigation into a corruption case involving a lawmaker.
A team of prosecutors probing a hiring scandal at casino operator Kangwon Land publicly accused Moon last week of exerting undue influence to keep them from requesting a warrant to detain Rep. Kweon Seong-dong of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party and indicting some senior prosecutors for allegedly interfering in the probe.
Moon Moo-il (Yonhap)
On Saturday, the team sought an arrest warrant for Kweon, who is suspected of abusing his power to get Kangwon Land to hire his acquaintances, including a former intern.
A panel of outside experts concluded early Saturday that the senior prosecutors did not abuse their authority, and the team accepted it.
“(The prosecution) will try to settle differences as much as possible by listening to the views of staff members as well as those outside the prosecution,” Moon told reporters on his way to work Monday.
“I will fulfill my responsibility to ensure the prosecution’s duties are carried out justly and transparently.”
The current system allows the higher command of the prosecution to interfere with investigation into cases of great public interest and social impact.
Prosecutors investigating the case can raise an objection in writing if they disagree with the higher command.
However, there has been criticism that the prosecution lacks measures that effectively guarantee prosecutors’ right to object.
By Kim So-hyun (
sophie@heraldcorp.com)
