 Prosecutor General |
Staff Reporter
The nation's top prosecutor said Friday in his New Year's message that the prosecution will eradicate leftists spreading communist ideology.
Prosecutor General Lim Chae-jin said, ``Those who deny the nation's pro-democracy identity and attempt to destabilize society are to be punished.''
He said his office would place a priority on seeking ways to help the nation tide over the sagging economy this year, saying prosecutors should be cautious in investigating suspected companies in order not to paralyze their operations and set the stage for firms to run their businesses freely within legal boundaries.
``With the global economic downturn, the Korean economy also faces dismal prospects this year,'' Lim said. ``To overcome this, we must prioritize ways of helping the country overcome the crisis. Even if a businessman is under investigation, the inquiry should not interrupt the firm's operations.''
The chief prosecutor introduced five primary tasks ― crackdown on malicious rumors against companies, organized crime interrupting business operations, illegal business practices including stock price manipulation, bribery and the embezzlement of corporate funds.
The chief prosecutor stressed harshness in punishing laborers organizing or participating in illegal collective actions such as unauthorized strikes.
The memo is in line with Justice Minister Kim Kyung-han's New Year message pledging that the ministry and prosecution would jointly revitalize the economy.
Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, Eo Cheong-soo, said, ``Police will minimize the use of legal restrictions such as summons, detentions and overseas travel bans on corporate executives except when deemed necessary. We will also try to streamline investigations.''
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