[EDITORIALS]Prosecution in disarray

Former Prosecutor General Shin Seung-nam and Kim Dae-ung, the head of the Gwangju High Prosecutors Office, have been indicted without physical detention. The prosecution is investigating them on charges of disclosure of official secrets, abuse of power and the denial and violation of individual rights. Mr. Shin is the second former prosecutor general to be indicted on charges of disclosure of official secrets, following Kim Tae-jung who was indicted in connection with a lobby scandal.

The prosecutor general and the head of the Seoul High Prosecutors Office are at the helm of the prosecution. It is a shame and dishonor for all prosecutors that their top leaders are facing punishment on charges of leaking information concerning investigations and exercising illegal influence over investigations.

The disclosure of official information by senior prosecutors is unacceptable. Even worse, the information was exchanged illegally for billions of won. This is equivalent to a case in which senior prosecutors, in office to prevent crime and punish criminals, encourages and helps them. Those concerned with this case consistently deny the allegations. The prosecution is in discord since there are differing opinions on whether the charges are punishable crimes.

The case shows clearly how senior prosecutors behaved. It also is a lesson that the prosecutors should refuse to follow inappropriate orders from their superiors. The prosecution should break traditions and customs that wrongfully influence their investigations. They should remind themselves of their responsibility to remain politically neutral.