Defense Minister`s Arrest Authorization System to Be Abolished

The National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee executive secretary Choi Jae-cheon of Uri Party stated on Sunday, concerning the submission of resignations from the military prosecutors who were investigating the corruption scandal related to the promotion screening process of army generals, that “I will improve the overall army judicial system such as abolishing the authorization of the arrest warrant of the Minister of Defense.”

On the same day, lawmaker Choi held a press conference at the National Assembly, stating that as soon as the military prosecutors investigation is over, he is planning to make the abolishment of the authorization of arrest warrant a subject of discussion at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, saying, “The Court of Military can deal with the regulation of military prosecutor arrest warrant according to the law.”

As the issue of military prosecutor arrest warrant claim system was raised by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee executive secretary from the opposition party, a political clash is expected to arise surrounding the improvement of army judicial system.

Meanwhile, after a meeting presided over by Vice Defense Minister Yoo Hyo-il Saturday, the Defense Ministry decided to ordain the prosecutors` action as “disobedient” and will gravely reprimand them some time next week.

On Monday, at the meeting presided over by Minister Yoon Kwang-ung, the Defense Ministry is planning to discuss their punishment level and its procedure, their resignation and whether to abide by the military criminal law.

Prior to this, the three prosecutors of the Defense Ministry Public Prosecution submitted on Friday their resignations to the Defense Ministry Public Prosecution that the action of Minister Yoon and Vice Minister Yoo of not approving the arrest warrants of Army Headquarters. Brigadier General Lee and Colonel Chang are an impediment to their ongoing investigation.

Ho-Won Choi bestiger@donga.com