Government Will Keep Suspects’ Information Confidential

The prosecution said yesterday that in order to respect suspects’ human rights and human dignity, it will not announce its summoning of the accused and not allow photography. Any press member that violates this rule will be forbidden to enter the prosecution office.

The police also said that it will announce its investigations only when cases are either relevant to public interests or the cause of the public’s suspicion. Regarding this action, some critics, however, responded that driven by pressure from Cheong Wa Dae and politicians who are suffering from corruption scandals, the prosecution and police are turning to measures that violate the people’s right to know.

At a press conference held for celebrating 42nd Law Day, the prosecution and police released “Measures for Enhancement of Human Right during Investigative Stage,” which contains the above announcements.

Prosecutors will not be allowed to inform the press whether it summoned certain suspects, which has always taken place openly when the press required it in the past. Any prosecutor who doesn’t comply with it will face an internal inspection.

The prosecution also said that reporters and mass media companies that infringe its standards, such as prohibition of photography, and releases incorrect coverage will face sanctions such as not being allowed to enter the prosecution office.

Moreover, in order to prevent the leakage of any information about the accused during the investigative stage, the prosecution decided to ask other institutions such as the court to improve its customary practices and system.

However, a source from the prosecution said, “This is just an expression of our strong stress on principle. Depending on the case, we can stick to the current briefing-style practice in place.”

Keuk-In Bae bae2150@donga.com needjung@donga.com