Protesters call for ouster of justice minister
THOUSANDS of protesters rallied yesterday in South Korea’s capital for the second week to call for the ouster of President Moon Jae-in’s hand-picked justice minister, whose family is at the centre of an investigation into allegations of financial crimes.
The protest near the presidential palace in Seoul followed a weekend demonstration in which a huge crowd of pro-government supporters occupied streets in front of the state prosecutors offices to show their support for Cho Kuk, whose appointment last month has deepened the nation’s political divide.
Yesterday’s rally came amid a highly-publicised investigation of Cho’s university professor wife and other relatives over allegations of shady financial investments and fraudulent activities related to his daughter’s admission to a top university in Seoul.
Cho has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to push ahead with plans to reform the country’s justice system, including curbing the powers of mighty state prosecutors.
Carrying the South Korean flag and banners and signs that read “Arrest criminal Cho Kuk,” the protesters poured onto a major boulevard near Gwanghwamun Gate.
“We need to fight and avenge against a government that has ripped the country in two,” Shin Hye-sik, a conservative activist, told the crowd from a stage. “Let’s fight! Let’s win!”
Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the conservative opposition Liberty Korea Party, participated in the protest along with members of the party’s leadership, but did not speak.
Lawmakers from Moon’s Minjoo Party said prosecutors are pushing an excessive probe in a possible attempt to resist Cho’s planned reforms.
The conservatives said the ruling liberals are pressuring a legitimate probe of a key government member, and that the investigation itself is proof of prosecutors neutrality.
“There were many moments each day that were painful and difficult,” Cho said on Tuesday during a news conference to announce his planned reforms. But I have been enduring every day thanks to the strength of our people who have given me courage and wisdom to push through and complete the reform of the prosecution.”
Cho’s plans include reducing the number of criminal investigations directly initiated by prosecutors, who by law have exclusive authority to indict and seek warrants for suspects and exercise control over police investigations. |