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| The Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seoul / Yonhap |
By Lee Hyo-sik
The Supreme Prosecutors' Office has rejected a recent proposal made by the Ministry of Justice to reorganize the prosecution, a move certain to deepen the ongoing rift between Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, according to legal circles Friday.
The highest prosecutors' office reportedly informed the ministry of its stance on the controversial proposal, which Yoon's supporters argue is largely designed to weaken the power of the top prosecutor, saying "It needs to be carefully reviewed." The office also reportedly pointed out "flaws" in the overhaul plan and conveyed its own suggestions.
The plan centers on abolishing four senior positions at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, whose roles are to collect information on potential criminal activities and coordinate investigations conducted by regional offices for the top prosecutor.
Since Tuesday when the ministry made the scheme public, a number of prosecutors have publicly issued protests, claiming it solely aims to reduce Yoon's authority.
Some even offered their resignations. A senior prosecutor at the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, tendered their resignation recently in protest of the reorganization plan and the Aug. 7 personnel reshuffle of senior prosecutors. The prosecutor was investigating allegations that Minister Choo's son received undue favors from superiors while he served in the army.
In the reshuffle, prosecutors loyal to Yoon were sidelined, while those close to Minister Choo were appointed to crucial posts.
More prosecutors siding with Yoon are expected to leave the prosecution after the justice ministry conducts the personnel reshuffle of mid-level prosecutors later this month.
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