A senior police officer has been disciplined after answering President Lee Myung-bak's holiday text message with a warning that he will "pass judgment" on the government's law revision seen as restricting investigative rights of the police.
On Saturday, Lee sent a thank-you text message to all police officers prior to the Lunar New Year holiday saying, "I am always thankful for your hard work while others are resting, and your fulfillment of your duties."
Lee has sent such mobile phone text messages to lawmakers, members of the military and athletes on special occasions since taking office in early 2008.
A senior police officer, whose identity was withheld, sent a reply complaining about the revision on investigative rights of police and prosecutors and criticizing Lee for giving more power to prosecutors.
His message reflected a prolonged dispute between police and prosecutors over a presidential decree that police say limits their investigative power. It took effect earlier this month despite strong protest from the police.
"How could you send this kind of message to police officers," the officer wrote in the response message to the president. "I will be sure to pass judgment" over the revision.
In response, police chief Cho Hyun-oh posted a message on the internal bulletin board denouncing the officer's inappropriate behavior and transfered him to another post in a reshuffle Thursday, officials said Friday.
In South Korea, prosecutors have the authority to direct police investigations and maintain the exclusive right to indict. Police have long called for revising the criminal procedural law to secure more power in conducting their investigations. (Yonhap)