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Prosecutor General: “The Abolition of NSL Will Cause Confusion”

Prosecutor General: “The Abolition of NSL Will Cause Confusion”

Posted October. 19, 2004 22:52,   

Prosecutor General Song Kwang-soo expressed his concern yesterday over a bill introduced by the ruling Uri Party that seeks the abolition of the National Security Law (NSL) and, as a supplementary measure, suggested adding articles regarding rebellions into criminal law. He said if we do so, we would face serious confusion when punishing pro-North Korea activities.

During an inspection conducted by the judiciary committee of the National Assembly, Song said, “Adding articles about rebellion into criminal law as a supplementary measure for the abolition of the National Security Law might cause serious confusion when executing the law, and is likely to spark attacks from dissenters.”

Rep. Kim Jae-kyeong of the Grand National Party asked Song, “Is it all right to regard North Korea as a ‘rebellious organization’ as stipulated in the tentatively revised articles of the criminal law by the ruling Uri Party?” Song answered, “In fact, some argue that North Korea has abandoned its scheme of forcefully communizing South Korea.”

Considering the fact that the articles of criminal law should be only applied to those who either have caused rebellion or had the intention to do so, Song’s remarks can be interpreted that North Korea cannot be regarded as a rebellious organization if it gives up its attempt to communize South Korea by force. Namely, since it is very hard to punish pro-North Korea activists who use non-violent channels and propaganda, he said this change would cause serious confusion.

His statement is particularly noticeable because it is not consistent with the ruling Uri Party’s position. The party has argued that we can penalize all ranges of pro-North Korea activities, such as distributing information on the North’s self-reliance ideology through the internet, visiting the North for pro-North Korea activities, and holding pro-North Korea demonstrations in downtown Seoul, through articles on conspiracy for rebellion in criminal law.

Song also said, “Since we are confronting the North, while at the same time seeking peaceful unification, it is necessary to have a criminal security law for national security,” insinuating his preference for the maintenance of the National Security Law.

“Prosecutor General Song predicts that if the bill introduced by the ruling Uri Party is enacted, pro-North Korea activities will likely enjoy this chance,” said sources from the prosecutor’s office.



Myoung-Gun Lee gun43@donga.com