Democratic Party tells PPP to stop 'misleading public' over fabricated-indictment special prosecutor bill

The Democratic Party of Korea on Saturday called on the People Power Party to immediately stop "misleading the public with political squabbling" over the fabricated-indictment special prosecutor bill, urging the PPP to stop ignoring what the party described as the bill's core purpose: investigating alleged abuses of prosecutorial power.

Party spokesperson Son Myeong-su said in a statement that day, "Does this mean you are even opposed to uncovering the truth about alleged abuses of prosecutorial authority? Are you saying we should not determine whether state power was exploited for political ends?"

Son said the Democratic Party had already removed a provision that had given the special prosecutor authority to decide whether to maintain indictments — the clause the PPP had objected to — yet the PPP was still pressing ahead with street protests, framing the bill as "a move to save the president."

"If the state's investigative and prosecutorial powers were abused for political purposes, that shakes the very foundation of the rule of law," Son said. "The truth must be brought fully to light through a special prosecutor investigation, and we must ensure this never happens again." Son added, "What on earth are you taking to the streets for?"

The PPP held a public rally Saturday afternoon near Exit 1 of Gyeongbokgung Station in Jongno-gu, Seoul, denouncing the bill's passage. Assembly members, party chapter heads and rank-and-file members were expected to attend.

The PPP has labeled the fabricated-indictment special prosecutor bill — which passed the National Assembly plenary session Friday under the Democratic Party's lead — a "malicious law designed to nullify President Lee Jae-myung's trial." The party plans to continue its street campaign until a Cabinet meeting scheduled for early next week.

Party leadership is set to hold a field supreme council meeting in front of Cheong Wa Dae on Monday, followed by a field general assembly of lawmakers at the same location on Tuesday.