Justice Ministry’s Bill for Revising Amnesty System

If politicians who were arrested for accepting illegal political funds are convicted, they should be under custody for a certain period. In addition, Koreans residing in China who had to go through more difficulties to restore their nationality than did Koreans in other countries can enjoy an easier procedure than before.

Justice Minister Kang Kum-sil, highlighting such initiatives, reported an annual plan for this year yesterday to Acting President Goh Kun.

Also, the Justice Ministry is slated to submit a bill for the revision of the amnesty system in order to prevent an early release of convicts who were involved with political corruption and to formulate proper procedures in the selection of advantaged, and then, after opening a public hearing in either June or July, settle this bill.

According to this, criminals involved with corruption must not benefit from amnesty for a certain period since their sentences are already made, and those who commit crimes against humanity are excluded from benefits of amnesty.

The Justice Ministry is also scheduled to abolish a guideline which discriminates against Koreans residing China in terms of restoring nationality. Also, with enacting a new guideline from April 1, equal application is to be ensured to all Koreans across the world

Koreans residing in China were able to restore their nationality only after turning in either a certificate to prove they were holding office or a certificate to prove their financial stability. However, under the revised bill, they just have to prove that either their parents or they themselves held Korean nationality before. On top of that, the Justice Ministry is extending investigation without physical detention by making good use of bailment available before prosecution, and also, when questioning suspects, they are making efforts to ensure protection of human rights by activating scientific technology such as videotaping and recordings. Measures to increase efficiency in allocating duties in prosecutors’ investigation are also being considered, such as experienced prosecutors taking charge of the entire investigation before sending the case.

Jin-Young Hwang buddy@donga.com